Yes, There is a Lyme Disease Vaccine for Your Dog. “Is It Worth It?”

Many Southeastern Massachusetts residents are familiar with the existence of a Lyme vaccine for dogs, but does it work and is it necessary?

Is the Lyme Vaccine for Dogs Effective?

Michael Stone, staff veterinarian and clinical assistant professor at the Cummings School, doesn’t seem to think so. He speaks of the effectiveness of the canine Lyme vaccine in an article from Tufts Now, stating that if a pet has been exposed to Lyme disease in the past, they cannot find proof that it is effective at all. But if your dog has never been exposed to Lyme, evidence shows that it can prevent Lyme infection.

A Lyme Vaccine Does Not Protect Against Other Tick-Borne Illness

The problem? There are other tick-borne diseases that are prevalent in Massachusetts. The Department of  Health and Human Services lists the most common tick-borne illnesses as Lyme, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis.

Dr. Catherine Brown, deputy state epidemiologist with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, has also warned of newer illnesses making their presence known in Massachusetts. She tells the Herald that Powassan and Borrelia miyamotoi are tick borne illnesses that we should be aware of in Massachusetts.

Is the Lyme Vaccine for Dogs Safe?

The canine Lyme vaccination does not protect against anything but Lyme. Stone does say that if requested he will administer the vaccine and feels that safety is not an issue. The incidence of side effects are less than 2%, and when present they are basic injection site reactions. In a nutshell, Stone believes that protecting your pets from ticks in heavily infected areas is much more important than a vaccine.

What’s the Best Tick Protection in Southeastern Mass for my Dog?

Flea and tick collars or topical products are effective if your dog frequents untreated areas, but they come with their own risks. If you don’t like the idea of using products directly on your pets, keeping ticks away from your yard can eliminate the need. At Mosquito Squad of Southeastern Massachusetts, our barrier treatment will eliminate ticks by 85-90% immediately, and continues to work for 2-3 weeks. Our technicians will return to keep your yard protected all season long. Our tick tube system can further protect by halting the tick life cycle. You might consider all three solutions for added protection. Call us today and find out more about our guaranteed tick elimination solutions.