As the warmth of April inches closer, many dog owners are excited to spend more time outdoors with their furry companions. Whether it’s long hikes, camping trips, or just romping around in the backyard, this season is perfect for outdoor adventures. But with the beauty of nature comes a certain amount of risk: ticks. And where there are ticks, there’s a risk of Lyme disease.

April is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, making now the perfect time to educate yourself on how to protect you and your dog from this potentially serious illness. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged (deer) ticks. It can lead to painful joint swelling, lethargy, fever, and even long-term complications if left untreated. Now the good news is that prevention is absolutely possible!

Understanding the Danger

Ticks are most active during the warmer months, making spring and summer prime time for Lyme disease transmission. Dogs that spend time in wooded areas, tall grass, or even suburban yards are at risk. While regular tick checks and vet-approved Lyme vaccinations can help, the best approach is preventing tick bites at the onset.

Best Tick Prevention Tips 

Here are some tips to keep your dog tick-free this summer:

  • After every outdoor adventure, do a thorough tick check by running your hands through their fur, paying close attention to areas like behind the ears, under the collar, and between the toes. 
  • Keep your yard tidy by mowing the lawn and removing leaf litter to reduce tick habitats. 
  • If your dog does pick up an unwanted hitchhiker, remove the tick carefully with fine-tipped tweezers, ensuring you get the entire body out to prevent infection.

Protect Your Dogs from Lyme Disease

In addition to the tips, one of the best ways to protect your dog is with Sawyer’s Permethrin for Dogs, a trusted and highly effective tick-repelling treatment. Unlike many flea and tick products, permethrin works by repelling ticks on contact. This means that before a tick even has the chance to latch onto your dog’s skin, it’s already been neutralized. That’s a major win for keeping your pup safe from Lyme disease!

Sawyer’s Permethrin for Dogs, one of the best tick repellents for dogs, is safe (but not recommended for cats), easy to use, long-lasting, and provides powerful protection for up to six weeks. Simply spray it onto your dog’s coat, let it dry, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your furry friend is shielded from ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. And don’t worry about that typical chemical smell. Once it dries, it’s completely odorless.

Watch for Early Signs of Lyme Disease

Even if you don’t recall your dog being bitten by a tick, it’s essential to monitor them for any signs of Lyme disease. Interestingly, only about 5-10% of infected dogs show clinical symptoms, and these may take 2-5 months to appear. That’s why staying vigilant is key.

Some of the most common symptoms include decreased appetite, loss of energy, fever, shifting-leg lameness, stiffness, swollen joints, and swollen lymph nodes. In more severe cases, Lyme disease can lead to kidney complications, often detected through a urinalysis performed by your veterinarian.

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with your vet for evaluation and testing. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and help your dog recover quickly.

A Healthy Summer Starts with Prevention

The last thing any pet owner wants is to see their beloved dog suffer from Lyme disease. By taking the right precautions now, you can enjoy a fun, worry-free summer filled with outdoor adventures. With Sawyer’s Permethrin for Dogs, combined with routine tick checks and smart outdoor habits, you can ensure that your pup stays happy, healthy, and Lyme-free all season long.

This Lyme Disease Prevention Month, learn more about how to keep your dog safe from tick-borne illnesses today! Spread the word and protect your four-legged friend from the dangers of tick-borne illnesses. 

If you want to know about Sawyer’s Permethrin For Dogs, purchase online or visit your nearest REI, Walmart and Bass Pro Shops, or check out other Sawyer products by visiting their official website.

Photos from the Sawyer website