CHE Standards

Linda Said:

People+Ticks =Lyme Disease?

We Answered:

Ticks can give you more than just Lyme. So when you look at the following websites, read about "co-infections," too.

Good sources of info about Lyme disease:
http://www.lymedisease.org
http://www.canlyme.com
http://www.lymenet.org
http://www.lymeinfo.net
http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org
http://www.ilads.org
http://www.betterhealthguy.com
http://www.publichealthalert.com
http://www.freewebs.com/teenswithlyme
http://www.lymetimes.org
http://www.mentalhealthandillness.com/ly…

Stephen Said:

Who knows about ticks and lyme disease?

We Answered:

Ticks won't necessarily stay on the host, they can bite and transmit the disease and get brushed off before they burrow their head. Also the bite location won't have much to do with the symptoms. Check the whole body a tick likes warm moist locations in the folds of skin like under arms behind the ear, in the crotch it may still be there.

Dustin Said:

can dogs get RMSF or Lyme Disease from ticks?

We Answered:

yes , any animal can get basically anything that humans can get
i have attached some information

Lonnie Said:

what are the symptoms of lyme disease or having ticks in dogs?

We Answered:

Infected dogs may be lethargic, have a poor/loss of appetite, or a fever (103° - 105 ° F). Dogs may also experience lameness shifting from one joint to another, fatigue, kidney damage or failure, heart disorders, or neurologic involvement (e.g. aggression, confusion, overeating, seizures). Dogs can be infected with the Lyme bacterium but not exhibit any noticeable symptoms. Dogs appear to have the same expression of disease as humans, therefore, humans have been considered an animal model for dogs. Transplacental transmission has occurred in dogs.

Jean Said:

My dog had two ticks on him. How likely is it that he is now infected with lyme disease or another disease?

We Answered:

The early signs of Lyme disease in dogs are supposed to be loss of appetite, fever and lethargy. Lameness may occur at the same time or may occur later. In some dogs, enlargement of the lymph nodes (usually generalized enlargement) occurs. In dogs, skin signs, heart disease, kidney problems and neurologic signs are reported to be rare. Symptoms of Lyme disease are usually delayed for several months but start to occur about 2 months after exposure and should show up by 5 to 6 months after a dog or cat is bitten by a tick carrying the bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi).

I am hoping you won't have to deal with this problem but it would be a good idea to keep an eye out for telltale symptoms and to write down the date of the tick removal so you don't forget when it was, just in case.

Ticks like damp, shady areas. They live under layers of fallen leaves and in tall unmowed grass. Cut the tick population around your home this fall by removing piles of leaves in shaded areas around shrubs, under decks, and along fences and walls. Remove leaves and the remains of summer plants, weeds, and other debris from flower beds. Don't stack wood for a fireplace right next to or against your house. Stack wood off the ground and in racks in a dry location if possible. Keep lawns mowed and edges trimmed. Clean up around bird feeders so mice, chipmunks, and squirrels are not drawn to the area...rodents attract ticks and fleas.

To help control a thriving tick population, spray grassy areas around your house with a pet-safe flea and tick repellent. If the infestation is severe, hire a professional pest control service.