Lyme Disease: Are Your Pets in Danger?

Lyme disease is a major issue in the midwest and something that not only humans have to deal with. Your pets may be in danger of contracting Lyme Disease and then, in turn, could put you at risk. Information is key in fighting against Lyme Disease no matter where it appears, make sure you know the facts.

A HISTORY OF LYME DISEASE

A growing problem in America, Lyme Disease was first discovered in 1977 after a cluster of cases were reported in the small town of Old Lyme, Connecticut. The locals had begun to refer to the occurrence as “Lyme Arthritis” due to the persistent but not abnormal symptoms. Since then, Lyme Disease has become a life-changing problem for the many people that went undiagnosed. While mosquitoes transmit diseases and infect a couple of thousand people a year, Lyme Disease stemming from ticks has been increasing drastically to exceed thirty thousand reported cases a year. In 2009, the CDC ranked Lyme Disease as the 7^th most notifiable disease in the nation despite 90% of cases occurring in only ten states.

Additionally, experts project that as many as three times the diagnosed cases go unreported due to the symptoms being very similar to the flu and fatigue. The Midwest is practically the main hub for tick activity, with Chicagoland right in the center. If diagnosed in the early stages, Lyme Disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics. But the best defense against Lyme Disease starts in your backyard. With a Mosquito Squad barrier treatment, you can rest easy knowing that professionals are protecting your family and your home from Lyme Disease.

AVOID TICKS ON DOGS

Humans are not the sole target for ticks. However, they also tend to prey upon family pets, specifically dogs. When your dog or other pet goes outdoors, a tick could easily latch onto them, catching a ride right through your front door and into your home. It is important to check your pets for ticks after being outside. You should always check for ticks on dogs when you get home from a walk in the park, or even around the neighborhood. If you have pets that enjoy the outdoors, it is especially important to have a tick control plan in place for your home in Chicagoland. If left to feed, ticks can infect your pets with many of the same diseases that humans are susceptible to. Lyme disease in dogs is not uncommon, but Heartworm is most dangerous when it comes to dogs. Don’t wait for a tick to infect your dog or endanger your home, contact Mosquito Squad Chicago to set up your plan for proactive protection throughout the season.

Mosquito Squad of Chicago is a mosquito control services company that provides professional mosquito extermination in the Chicago land area. Give us a call at (630) 556-8315 to find out how we can help you with your mosquito problem.