I took my faithful fuzzbucket to the vet for his annual shots and checkup today, and living in Maryland, we naturally covered the topic of Lyme disease. Not sure why, but I had always thought that it was the smaller deer ticks that were the exclusive carriers of Lyme, and I treated those buggers differently when removing one from a pet or person. I would sanitize everything in sight, and use an inside out sandwich baggie to carefully remove them/dispose of them without touching them. I learned today that regular American "dog" ticks here in Maryland CAN carry Lyme too--not just Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. So do Lone Star ticks, brown dog ticks, and of course the usual suspects, deer ticks. Basically, if you live in Maryland, and see a tick (and you WILL see ticks!), there are odds it is potentially infected with Lyme. Period.
Lyme Disease Primer...
- Over 95% of all Lyme disease cases can be found in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.
- Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that initially causes fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Only 80% of Lyme disease infections actually cause that hallmark "bullseye" rash. It is typical to have contracted Lyme WITHOUT seeing any rash (or to have simply not seen it, as the rash can be anywhere on your body).
- Scientists believe that an infected tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted. However, it is also proven that not "all" deer ticks (or others) are carriers of Lyme.
- Blood tests often give false negative results during the first few weeks after exposure to the disease. During that time the body is still reacting and responding to the infection. However, most doctors will prescribe treatment for "suspected" Lyme disease even with a false negative blood test.
- Up to 20% of Lyme disease patients will have post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, including persistent fatigue, pain, or joint and muscle aches. Experts believe that these symptoms are the result of tissue damage during the infection (vs. a chronic infection).
- A Lyme disease vaccine for humans is no longer available due to lack of consumer demand.
- Finding and removing ticks is THE best way to prevent infection, even if you were bitten. Even if it is later in the day, ALWAYS have someone literally check you for ticks. ;) A day later is NOT too late!
- You can help to avoid tick bites by wearing long protective clothing and applying tick/insect repellent.
- Keep pets safe by checking them the same way you check yourself and others when they come inside. Animals are often convenient carriers for ticks, bringing them into your home where they can attach themselves to individuals who have never even been outdoors recently.
- Tick bites on pets are hard to detect, and signs of disease may not appear for 7-21 days. Watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite (see "know the signs" in graphic above).
- Talk with your veterinarian about using popular tick preventive treatments, as well as other natural insect repellents like essential oils. Note: Use caution and common sense--just because a product is "natural" does NOT mean harmless or safe for animals! Discuss ALL products with your veterinarian.
- Ticks live in moist and humid wooded or grassy areas. To avoid ticks, walk in the center of trails and avoid tall vegetation. Keep your yard well-trimmed.
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