Does Simparica Prevent Lyme Disease

Is There A Lyme Disease Vaccine For Dogs Can All Dogs Take The Vaccine

There are 4 Lyme vaccines available in the United States for dogs. Lyme vaccination is considered a lifestyle vaccine, i.e. not all dogs need it, and the decision to vaccinate is an individual one and is not for all dogs.

The Lyme vaccine works by sterilizing the bacteria in the gut of the tick, preventing transmission of bacteria to the dog if they are ever exposed. Lyme vaccines appear to prevent illness in 60%86% dogs that are vaccinated, but not consistently in all dogs, and not for a very long duration of immunity.To ensure the vaccine provides optimum protection Dr. Wooten notes, your dog will receive two initial injections of the vaccine, two-four weeks apart, and then either annual or biannual boosters to maintain immunity.

While most dogs are tolerant of the Lyme disease vaccine, all dogs are different and may need another form of prevention. According to an article in Todays Veterinary Practice, Golden Retrievers should not receive the Lyme vaccine because of a genetic predisposition to develop Lyme nephritis, an inflammatory kidney disease. Fortunately, if proper tick prevention is utilized, vaccination should not be necessary. However, your veterinarian will help you determine the best form of Lyme disease prevention based on your dogs age, breed, size, any potential pre-existing conditions, and their overall health.

How Much Simparica To Give A Dog

Simparica is administered once a month as a flavored chewable.

Dosage is at 0.91mg/lb Simparica should only be administered to dogs 6 months of age and older.

• 1 x 5mg tablet for 2.8 to 5.5 pounds
• 1x 10mg tablet for 5.6 to 11 pounds
• 1x 20mg tablet for 11.1 to 22 pounds
• 1 x 40mg tablet for 22.1 to 44 pounds
• 1x 80mg tablet for 44.1 to 88 pounds
• 1 x 120mg tablet for 88.1 to 132 pounds

According to EMEA, Simparica was found to be well tolerated by animals treated with the recommended treatment dose of 24 mg sarolaner/kg bw. However, in the event of an overdose , neurological effects were observed.

Sarolaner is well tolerated in Collies with a deficient multidrug-resistance-protein 1 following single oral administration at 5 times the recommended dose. No treatment-related clinical signs were observed. Such dogs are particularly susceptible to treatment with macrocyclic lactones .

Can Dog On Tick Prevention Simpatica Still Get Lime Disease

With 98 Simparica scores, it stood out. Initiative 8.5% against existing infestations 12 hours after treatment2 In the month, it kept a rapid kill rate 2. Over the course of the treatment period Simparica prevented the transmission of Lyme disease despite challenge.

• can my dog still get lyme disease with nexgard?

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Why Protect Against Fleas And Ticks

• Tick-borne diseases represent a widespread and growing public health hazard to dogs ,3-5 causing debilitating illness and even death.4,6 It only takes one tick to spread disease,7,8 so continuous protection is critical to help reduce the risk of infection.4
• Likewise, it only takes a single “pregnant” flea to start an infestation on a dog or in a home. And although fleas are largely perceived as a mere nuisance, they too, can pose health risks to pets and humans.9-12

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Simparica is for use only in dogs, 8 weeks of age and older. Simparica has not been evaluated in dogs that are pregnant, breeding or lactating.

Is There A Vaccine That Will Protect My Dog From Lyme Disease

A safe and generally effective vaccine is available for protecting dogs against Lyme disease. This vaccine is initially given twice, at two- to four-week intervals.

“Annual revaccination is necessary to maintain immunity.”

Annual revaccination is necessary to maintain immunity. Vaccination against Lyme disease will be determined by your pet’s lifestyle and individual risk assessment. Be sure to discuss any questions you may have regarding the type and frequency of vaccination with your veterinarian.

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Yikes You Found A Tick On Your Dog How Can You Remove It

The biggest key here is to be verycareful and veryquick, Dr. Wooten advises. This is because your dog is most likely to contract Lyme disease from a tick thats been feeding for 12 hours. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Protect your hands from potential bacteria and bites with a tissue or disposable gloves.
• Get a great set of tweezers dedicated exclusively to this purpose. Use these to remove any moving ticks you find immediately by pulling it straight up and off of your dog.
• If the tick isnt moving and is stuck on your dogs skin, get your tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight up and off of your pet. Be careful not to twist your tweezers, as this may rip off only part of the tick and leave its mouth on your pet and leave your dog at risk of infection.
• If necessary, ask someone to help restrain your dog while you remove the tick.
• Place the tick in rubbing alcohol or crush it. If you crush the tick, be sure not to get any of it on your skin.

The Lyme Vaccination For Dogs Isnt Foolproof

The shot isnt 100 percent effective, says Dr. Mengel.

But, Dr. Mengel adds, anecdotally, many practices report seeing lower numbers of dogs testing positive for exposure to the bacteria that causes Lyme since using the vaccine in practice over several years.

The Lyme vaccine cannot replace good tick control, because it is not completely effective at preventing Lyme disease, and it does nothing to protect against the many other tick-borne diseases, such as ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, says Dr. Brevitz.

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How Much Does Simparica Trio Cost

The cost of Simparica Trio generally ranges from $2230 per dose depending on the tablet size, number of doses, and source of purchase. It comes in a pack of six or 12, but veterinarians typically sell individual doses for growing puppies. The product can be purchased directly from your vet, from your vet’s online pharmacy, or through an external online pharmacy with a valid prescription.

Simparica Trio costs less per dose when purchased in a 12-pack . Although the price may be even lower via online pharmacies, Zoetis only guarantees the product when purchased directly though your vet . The company will not cover any products purchased through sites like Chewy or 1-800-Pet-Meds because they cannot be tracked to ensure they’re legitimate and properly stored/handled .

Simparica Trio comes with a customer satisfaction guarantee: Zoetis will cover some or all vet expenses should your dog develop heartworm disease, Lyme disease, a flea infestation, hookworms, or roundworms. However, your dog must have a history of negative test results for these diseases. This is just another reason to follow your vet’s recommendations for annual physical exams and tests.

Zoetis Announces Fda Approval Of Simparica Chewables Label Extension

Press release: Zoetis

Zoetis recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new label indication for Simparica Chewables for the prevention of Borrelia burgdorferi infections as a result of killing Ixodes scapularis ticks for dogs six months of age or older. In two separate studies, Simparica prevented 100 percent of infections that cause Lyme disease, even when challenged near the end of the month.

This new indication for Simparica is particularly significant, as Companion Animal Parasite Council data has shown that Lyme disease is a rising threat to dogs in the United States, with a 147 percent increase in Borrelia burgdorferi positive dogs in under 10 years and over 400,000 dogs testing positive last year. A CAPC study also found that the prevalence of Ixodes scapularis ticks carrying the Borrelia burgdorferi pathogen has increased across the Northeast, as well as in states not typically considered endemic, including regions in Illinois, Iowa, North Dakota, Ohio, Michigan and Tennessee.

Simparica is for use only in dogs 6 months of age and older. Simparica may cause neurologic signs such as tremors, unsteadiness and/or seizures in dogs with or without a history of neurologic disorders. Simparica has not been evaluated in pregnant, breeding or lactating dogs. The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials were vomiting and diarrhea.

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Which Ticks Are A Concern

Species of ticks found in Canada that will feed on dogs or people are listed below. The ones of greatest concern are the black-legged tick & American dog tick. The incidence of most tick-borne diseases is still pretty low in Canada. But black-legged ticks that transmit Lyme disease in particular are growing in numbers, including in the GTA.

Travelling to the United States with your dog?Tick-borne diseases & heartworm disease are a much bigger issue there than in Canada, & we strongly recommend that you take preventive measures while youre there. To learn about the parasites of concern in the U.S., see the maps provided by the Companion Animal Parasite Council at

What Are The Symptoms Of Lyme Disease In Dogs

Dogs may not show symptoms for weeks or even months after an infected tick bites them and many dogs that are infected never show signs of illness, Dr. Muller says, noting that the symptoms of Lyme disease depend on the progression of the initial infection. Clinical signs can include:

• Fever
• Depression
• Excessive Salivating
• Kidney problems

If you live in an area where ticks are prevalent and your pup spends time outdoors, you should see your veterinarian right away if they experience any of these symptoms ! Its always better to err on the safe side.

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How Does Simparica Work

Simparica is a great tasting chewable tablet given orally once a month. It travels in your dog’s blood to deliver persistent continuous protection against fleas and ticks from day 1 to day 35.*

The southern African yellow dog tick, Haemaphysalis elliptica, occurs only in eastern and southern Africa. This tick species is also a vector of the highly virulent Babesia rossi pathogen, the causative agent of canine babesiosis in sub-Saharan Africa. A single oral administration of Simparica at a minimum dose of 2 mg/kg resulted in a 100% efficacy against existing infestations of H. elliptica on dogs and a 100% reduction in live ticks following weekly re-infestations for 35 days.

Fleas can set up housekeeping in your home. Use Simparica to prevent or treat flea infestations

Can Lyme Disease In Dogs Be Cured

And now for your sigh of relief: Yes, Lyme disease in dogs can be cured if the treatment is applied in time. Thats why its super important to take your dog for a checkup if you suspect they were bitten by a tick, even if they dont show any active symptoms.

Lyme disease in dogs is serious, but it is well within your power as a pet parent to help your dog steer clear of this condition. Some pet insurance providers, like Pumpkin, provide optional preventive care benefits that can help cover the costs of the Lyme disease vaccine, as well as a yearly vector-borne disease test. With proper preventive care, as well as treatment if your dog becomes infected, those ticks dont have to be so terrifying! Dr Wooten assures us. And you and your pooch can enjoy plenty of happy, healthy days ahead.

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How Do Dogs Get Lyme Disease

Like humans, dogs can contract Lyme disease from ticks, specifically the deer tick, which carry the bacteria that causes the disease. The American Kennel Club notes that the ticks most likely to carry Lyme disease are typically found in forests and woods , marshes, tall grass, and areas with thick brush. In terms of geographical locations, ticks carrying Lyme have been expanding their reach across the United States in recent years, but are most prevalent in the Northeast, upper Midwest, and Pacific Northwest regions.

Dr. Sarah Wooten, veterinarian and American Society of Veterinary Journalists member, tells Pumpkin, When your dog spends time in the woods, marshes, grass, or bushy areas without adequate tick protection on board, these monstrous little bugs can latch on and bite. Those bites can transmit bacteria into your dogs bloodstream that cause Lyme disease, and thats when we have a real problem.

How Is Lyme Disease Diagnosed

Dogs with lameness, swollen joints, and fever are suspected of having Lyme disease. However, other diseases may also cause these symptoms. There are a few blood tests that may be used for confirmation. The first is an antibody test, that your veterinarian can perform in the clinic setting using a special test kit. This test detects the presence of antibodies created by exposure to the organism. A test can be falsely negative if the dog is infected, but has not yet formed antibodies, or if it never forms enough antibodies to cause a positive reaction. It is recommended to test no earlier than 4 weeks after a tick bite. Some dogs that have been infected for long periods of time may no longer have enough antibodies present to be detected by the test. Therefore, a positive test is meaningful, but a negative is not. A follow up test called a QC6 test can be done to assess the numerical antibody level as confirmation.

Other tests including PCR , ELISA , joint fluid analysis, and culture can also be done with varying degrees of sensitivity, but are done less commonly. General blood and urine tests are also often done to assess kidney function and look for loss of protein in the urine. See handout Testing for Lyme Disease in Dogs for further information.

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Prevention Control And Treatment Of Ticks

Ticks are just as dangerous, and certain types of ticks transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q-Fever, and Lyme Disease. If your dog has numerous ticks feeding off him, severe anemia and tick paralysis can result.

Ticks can survive from a few months to several years without food if they find themselves in the right environmental conditions. They are blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to humans and animals. Ticks can also release toxins that can result in anemia, tick paralysis, and even death.

Some types of ticks may favor attaching and feeding around the head, neck and shoulder area, while other species of ticks will prefer the ear, anus, and beneath the tail area. For this reason, its essential to bring your dog to the veterinarian for a full check-up. The most obvious sign of a tick infestation is the presence of a tick on your dog. That said, its critical to determine which type of tick infestation is present.

Apart from keeping your dog away from tick-infested areas, plagued dogs need to be treated with the correct anti-tick or tick-control product. Simparica is used on a month-to-month basis for flea and tick control. If your dog overrun with ticks, your veterinarian will need to remove them.

Heavy tick infestation not only causes severe damage to the skin, but anemia, paralysis, and other complications can also result. A clinic stay for your dog will most likely be recommended by your veterinarian.

How It Works In The Body

It received FDA approval in 2016. Sarolaner works by inhibiting the function of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor, and glutamate receptor. It works at the neuromuscular site in insects, leading to the elimination of insects or acarines.

More importantly, it controls ticks such as the Lone Star tick, Gulf Coast tick, American Dog tick, black-legged tick, and the brown dog tick.

Simparica presents in the form of a flavored chewable tablet that is effective from day one to day 35, and can be given to dogs six months and older. Flea and tick products like Simparica travel in the dogs blood to safely and continuously deliver protection against fleas and ticks for 35 days.

Simparica works rapidly due to its active ingredient, sarolaner, which is a systemic insecticide that is fast-acting and kills fleas within three hours after the administration of a flavored Simparica chewable.

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Fleas Can Quickly Infest Your Home

• Fleas start to bite within 5 minutes.4 Those bites can also lead to infectious diseases.5

• A dogs reaction to flea bites may vary from sores and inflammation to hair loss.

• Fleas can lay up to 1300 eggs within 50 days,4 but Simparica Trio kills them before they can even lay eggs. In studies it started killing within four hours, and achieved 100% effectiveness in eight hours.

Important Safety Information: See Prescribing Information. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures. Simparica Trio contains sarolaner, a member of the isoxazoline class, which has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures in dogs with or without a history of neurologic disorders. The safe use of Simparica Trio has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. The most frequently reported adverse reactions in clinical trials were vomiting and diarrhea.

References:

Which Tick Prevention Is Best For My Dog

If you are a dog owner in Minnesota, youre probably concerned about finding ticks on your dog. Not only are ticks creepy but they carry health risks too. Ticks in the Plymouth area commonly carry diseases like Lyme, Anaplasma and even Ehrlichia, which can cause fever, joint swelling, lethargy, depression, neurologic symptoms and even blood clotting disorders. Using tick prevention is very important to keep your dog healthy.

Ticks are looking for hosts to take a blood meal from anytime the temperature is above freezing. At Northwest Animal Hospital, we tend to see more ticks coming out the first week of March, however, we do see ticks year round, even in the winter if the temperature is above freezing. Anytime there is even a blade of grass poking through the snow, dogs are at risk for tick exposure.

Ticks quest or look for new hosts to feed on by climbing onto blades of grass and holding out their front pair of legs. When they sense body heat or odors, they jump onto their host, insert their mouthparts into the skin and begin to feed. Because dogs are close to the ground and often running through the leaves and grasses where ticks are questing, they are often the first host the tick finds. Once the tick inserts it mouthparts through the skin, it begins to secrete saliva which contains bacteria like Lyme, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia

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