Certain tick species carry and transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The culprits in North America are the black-legged or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the western black-legged tick (I. pacificus). Both are smaller than the other ticks found on pets in the United States.

Lyme disease affects animals differently, and many display no clinical signs at all. In dogs, many cases start with limping, lymph node swelling and fever. Other signs include loss of appetite, painful joints and lethargy. Dogs typically don't show signs for two to five months after infection. Antibiotics help but don’t stop the disease.

To help protect your dog:

• Vaccinate annually against Lyme disease.
• Apply a topical tick control product monthly.
• Brush dogs frequently during tick season
  and conduct thorough tick checks.