The Growing Threat of Lyme Disease in Virginia Pets

Lyme Disease: Protect Your Pets from Ticks in Virginia

Lyme disease isn’t just a concern for humans. It’s a growing danger for pets across Virginia as well. With warmer weather and longer tick seasons, more dogs and outdoor cats are at risk of exposure than ever before. In this article, we’ll walk you through how Lyme disease spreads, the signs to watch for, and how to protect your pets year-round.

What Is Lyme Disease?

• Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks). These ticks are most active in the spring, summer, and early fall, but due to milder winters, they’re becoming a year-round threat in some parts of Virginia.

Once bitten, your pet may not show signs immediately. Symptoms can take weeks or even months to appear and are often subtle at first, making early detection tricky.

Why Lyme Disease Is on the Rise in Virginia

There are a few reasons Lyme disease is becoming more common in Virginia pets:

Expanding tick habitats

• Warmer temperatures have extended the tick season, enabling ticks to thrive in a wider range of areas.

Increased wildlife contact

• More residential development means pets are coming into closer contact with deer, mice, and other hosts of ticks.

Low awareness

• Many pet owners still don’t realize their animals are at risk, which leads to delayed or skipped prevention.

In places like Charlottesville, where pets enjoy the outdoors, such as hiking trails or backyard playtime, these factors combine to create a perfect storm for tick exposure.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Pets

• Lyme disease can affect pets in various ways. Some animals may remain asymptomatic, while others develop serious complications if the disease progresses untreated. 

Common symptoms include:

• Lameness that shifts from one leg to another
• Stiffness, pain, or swollen joints
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Sensitivity to touch

In more severe cases, Lyme disease can lead to kidney damage, neurological issues, or heart complications, conditions that can be life-threatening if not treated. If your pet shows any of these signs, especially after spending time outdoors, it’s best to consult your veterinarian promptly.

Diagnosing and Treating Lyme Disease

• At Autumn Trails Veterinary Center, we use a combination of physical exams, symptom history, and blood tests to determine if your pet has Lyme disease. If caught early, the condition is treatable with antibiotics, typically a course lasting several weeks.

However, treatment doesn’t always eliminate the bacteria. Some pets may continue to experience symptoms or relapse later, which is why prevention is critical.

How to Prevent Lyme Disease in Pets?

While Lyme disease is a serious risk, there are effective steps you can take to reduce your pet’s exposure to ticks:

• Use year-round parasite prevention. Consult with your veterinarian about tick preventatives that are safe and effective for your dog or cat.
• Check your pet daily. Especially after time outdoors, inspect their fur, ears, paws, and belly for ticks.
• Keep your yard tidy. Trim the grass, remove leaf litter, and create tick-free zones in your yard where your pet can safely play.
• Limit outdoor activity during peak hours. Ticks are more active during early morning and evening hours.

Prevention not only protects your pet from Lyme disease but also reduces the likelihood of other tick-borne illnesses, such as anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis.

At Autumn Trails Veterinary Center, we offer the best urgent care services to keep your pets healthy and happy, especially in emergencies. We offer our veterinary services in the Charlottesville, VA. To book an appointment, just call us at (434) 971-9800.