Diseases from Ticks

Ticks can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, encephalitis, tularemia, tick paralysis, and Lyme, so it is important to prevent tick infestations in domestic dogs. Lyme disease, with horrifying symptoms that can mimic fatigue, heart problems, and arthritis and cause birth defects, affects dogs and horses as well as people. Lyme is tough to diagnose but can be treated with antibiotics.

Borreliosis is an infectious disease syndrome spread by a tiny tick called the deer tick. Adult deer ticks are the size of the head of a pin. Specific blood tests, a physical examination and an assessment of your dog’s overall health history need to be done.Your veterinarian can determine whether your dog has Lyme with these. The best way to protect your new puppy from Lyme disease can be through a two-dose immunization regimen, typically beginning at 9 weeks of age, and regular use of a product that kills all stages of major types of ticks.

Lyme: Vaccination

First vaccination 8-10 weeks

Puppy follow-up vaccination 2-3 weeks after the first

Adult boosters annually

Viral Diseases

Dangerous, disease-causing organisms are part of your new puppy’s environment. And because puppies are naturally inquisitive, they’re good candidates for exposure to infection. But your veterinarian can help protect puppies and adult dogs against a number of infectious organisms through a regular vaccination program.

Rabies

First vaccination - 16 weeks

Puppy follow-up vaccinations - after1 year

Adult boosters - every 3 years

Restrictions: Rabies vaccinations may not be given to puppies under 15 weeks of age.

Rabies is a generally fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can infect all warm-blooded animals. The disease is zoonotic, which means it can be transmitted to humans bitten by an infected animal. People exposed to rabies must undergo an immunization regimen.