How to keep your dog safe.
Lyme disease is not contagious. However, both dogs and humans can contract the disease from an infected tick’s bite. Lyme disease transmission is on the rise.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1, “In 2022, reported case counts [in people] were 1.7 times the annual U.S. average during 2017-2019.” There has never been a more important time to protect your dog — from deer ticks, which may transmit Lyme disease.
Credelio Quattro® (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets) is a new monthly chewable that contains the ingredient lotilaner, which has been shown to kill ticks* twice as fast^ as sarolaner in Simparica Trio® and afoxolaner in NexGard® Plus.
Is Lyme Disease Zoonotic?
A zoonotic disease is one that can be transferred between animals and humans. Lyme disease is not one of them. But Lyme disease can affect both humans and pets.
How is Lyme Disease Transmitted?
All Lyme disease is transmitted via tick bite. Dogs cannot give you Lyme disease directly, but they could bring ticks into your yard and home. An infected tick could bite you and give you Lyme disease. Places where you may walk your dog, such as a trail in the woods, could put you both at risk of tick bites.
What Does a Lyme-disease Infected Tick Bite on a Dog Look Like?
Ticks burrow themselves into the skin of humans and pets. A tick bite that’s infected with Lyme disease usually looks the same as a normal tick bite. However, your dog’s fur can sometimes make it difficult to see a tick or a tick bite.
Is it Possible to Know if My Dog Has a Lyme Disease Tick Bite on Day One?
Unfortunately, no. Most dogs that have Lyme disease never show symptoms and the ones that do have symptoms typically won’t do so until several months after the initial tick bite. This can often make it challenging to diagnose, because the tick will be long gone by then. Consistent use of Credelio Quattro, a monthly chewable that protects against ticks in addition to fleas, tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms* and heartworms, could help bring peace of mind.
Symptoms of Dog Lyme Disease
If you suspect that your pet may have been bitten by a tick and could have Lyme disease, watch for the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Stiff or swollen joints
- On and off lameness
In order to confirm that your dog has Lyme disease, their veterinarian will perform a blood test. If the test is positive, your vet may recommend antibiotics or other therapies depending on the dog’s health status.
How to Avoid Lyme Disease in Dogs
Dogs regularly go outside and often love exploring, so they may be more at risk for tick bites and Lyme disease transmission than other types of indoor pets. This is why a monthly chewable such as Credelio Quattro is key to help ensure your pup is protected.
Ticks prefer tall grass so tick prevention for dogs also includes keeping your lawn trimmed short and clear of leaf litter. Treating your own lawn will help reduce the risk of ticks, but it’s unfortunately impossible to treat all areas where you might take your dog for exercise and socialization, such as a public dog park. So try to keep your dog out of uncut grass and check them regularly for ticks — if you find one, remove it completely as soon as possible.
How to Avoid Lyme Disease After a Tick Bite?
Typically, a tick has to be attached for a minimum of 24 hours in order to transmit Lyme disease.1 Checking your dog for ticks after outings will help lower the chance of infection.
Lyme disease can be a serious illness in both pets and humans. While there is no reason to worry that Lyme disease is contagious, it's important to arm your pup with monthly protection that kills ticks and stay vigilant about tick exposure to you and your pet.
1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How lyme disease spreads. Updated May 15, 2024. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/causes/index.html
*Based on label claim.
^Day 21 and Day 28 for reinfestations**
Credelio® (lotilaner)
Indications:
Credelio Quattro is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease and the treatment and control of roundworm, hookworm* and tapeworm infections. Credelio Quattro kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations and the treatment and control of tick infestations for 1 month in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older and weighing 3.3 pounds or greater.
Important Safety Information:
Lotilaner, an ingredient in Credelio Quattro, belongs to the isoxazoline class and has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions like tremors, ataxia, and seizures even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections before Credelio Quattro administration as it is not effective against adult D. immitis. The safe use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. The most frequently reported adverse reactions in clinical trials were vomiting and diarrhea. For complete safety information, please see Credelio Quattro product label or ask your veterinarian.
*Uncinaria stenocephala
