Prevention

There are two ways to prevent dogs from getting Lyme disease. The first is to stop the tick. The second is to stop the disease-causing bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi.

To keep dogs free from ticks, dog owners should use a tick repellent collar or medication. Also, owners should check their dogs for ticks after they have been outdoors and remove any ticks promptly. These measures can help, but are not always 100% effective. For that reason, Lyme vaccination is recommended for dogs at risk to prevent B. burgdorferi infection.

Dogs have been vaccinated for Lyme disease since 1990 and side effects have been rare. When they occur, they are usually mild and typically resolve within a few days. Sometimes dogs will get a small, tender swelling at the injection site, but it goes away very quickly.

For more information on Nobivac^® Lyme, a highly effective Lyme vaccine from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, click here.