9 minute read
Protecting Pets From Lyme Disease
Prevention And Symptom Management Tips
by Paige Cerull
When the weather is nice and we crave outdoor adventures with our pets, we may not want to think about Lyme disease, but it’s a good idea to take precautions to avoid an infection. One bite from an infected tick could lead to troubling health concerns. Despite the risks, there is no reason to hide indoors, as there are numerous actions we can take to protect our animal companions from infection and to relieve their symptoms should they contract the ailment.
Disease Prevalence in the U.S.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Lyme disease is spread by bites from blacklegged deer ticks or western blacklegged ticks that carry the disease-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. While cases have been reported in nearly every U.S. state, Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast, Upper Midwest and Northwest.
A 2018 study published in Environmetrics found that the prevalence of Lyme disease in dogs is getting worse in the Northeast and spreading into regions that weren’t previously considered to be high risk, including areas in North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Tennessee.
Symptoms in Cats, Dogs and Horses
Lyme disease affects animals differently. Veterinarian Erin O’Leary, founder of Heal House Call Veterinarian, explains that cats with Lyme disease are asymptomatic. “We don’t see any symptoms in cats, so we don’t tend to test or treat for Lyme in cats,” she explains.
Canine Lyme disease is a different story. Per O’Leary, dogs often exhibit lameness that may shift among the legs. Fever and swelling in the joints are common. Dogs can also experience a serious kidney complication called Lyme nephritis that causes them to feel very sick, drink lots of water and urinate more. Two studies performed by IDEXX, a developer of diagnostic and software products for animals, revealed that dogs exposed to tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, had a 43 percent increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, horses with Lyme disease may experience weight loss, lameness that shifts among the legs, muscle tenderness, low-grade fever and swollen joints.
Preventing Tick Bites
Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with The Vets, notes that pet owners can naturally reduce their pet’s risk of being bitten by a tick by keeping their yards in check. “Ticks prefer to live in areas with tall grass, weeds and leaf litter,” she says. “Keeping your yard tidy by mowing your lawn and removing any dead leaves or debris can help reduce the number of ticks in your yard.”
Barbara Zapal, of Clearwater, shares cuteness galore with Brycey, a border collie mix and the charmer of the neighborhood. At 12-yearsyoung, he loves Frosty Paws mint ice cream and being petted, especially by the little hands of adoring children. Barbara says this is how Brycey reacts when she reads aloud [yawn].
Pet owners may also use food-grade diatomaceous earth, a non-toxic powder, to help kill ticks in areas where pets like to spend time. Several natural fly sprays, many of which help to repel ticks, are also available for horses.
Removing a Tick
It’s important to carefully inspect pets for tick bites after spending time outdoors. “If you can remove the tick within 24 to 48 hours of the bite, it won’t transmit Lyme disease,” O’Leary maintains. She recommends tools like the Tick Twister or a pair of tweezers to safely coax a tick from their pet. “If you can get down to where the head is inserted and squeeze that with tweezers, that’s the easiest thing to do,” she says.
Savageau suggests keeping pet hair trimmed short, which can make it easier to spot and remove ticks, and cleaning the bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. It’s important to watch for signs of inflammation or infection, like redness, swelling or discharge. “If any of these symptoms appear, or if the pet develops a fever or lethargy, the owner should contact their veterinarian for advice,” she says.
Caring for an Infected Pet
According to O’Leary, the antibiotic doxycycline is the best available treatment for Lyme disease, and giving the pet a bit of turmeric to eat can relieve inflammation, though it is best to consult with a veterinarian regarding the most appropriate treatment options and dosages. To reduce a fever, soaking a towel in cool water and applying it around a pet’s paws and ears will help.
Savageau highlights the importance of feeding pets a balanced and nutritious diet that supports the immune system, as well as supplements and other natural remedies. “This may include adding probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids to their food to support gut health and reduce inflammation. Herbs like echinacea may help stimulate the immune system and support the body’s ability to fight infections,” she says, adding, “Always consult with a veterinarian before starting any natural or alternative treatment for pets, as some may be harmful or interfere with prescribed medications.”
Calendar Of Events
SATURDAY, JULY 1
Drum Circle - 7pm. Free community event. Bring a drum or other instrument if you have, or just come to listen or dance. Bohemian Gypsy, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.
FRIDAY, JULY 14
Concepts from The Feldenkrais Method Online - 6-9pm. Full 15-hour seminars online. Rehabilitate feet, knees and back through walking. 2 CEs each for LMTs. 20% less using code: 20OFFTTI. More info, 941-360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota. com/Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/.
SATURDAY, JULY 15 pretations. $45. Universal Flamenco, 7603 A Gunn Hwy., Tampa. Contact Irene 239-572-3988, info@ irenerimer.com, universalflamenco.org.
THURSDAY, JULY 27
Welcome Students from Across the Globe into Your Home - Jul 27-Aug 12. Education First seeks host families for 13-17–y-o students from France. Contact Noelle Morris Dumitrescu, 727-458-3405, email nmorriskw@gmail.com
THURSDAY, JULY 6
Chi Gong Class - 4-5pm. Held in The Garden at Bohemian Gypsy, learn and embrace Chi Gong techniques. Recommended love donation per class: $5-10. Bohemian Gypsy, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.
SATURDAY, JULY 8
The Astrology Workshop - 3-6pm. Dr. Irene Rimer facilitates. Pre-Egyptian roots, with briefs on Thoth/ Hermes/Pythagoras/Plato. The Science of Energy. Tropical vs Vedic Systems. The Signs. The Planets. The Houses. Tesla. Astro Charts $35 to $55/w interpretations. $45. Universal Flamenco, 7603 A Gunn Hwy., Tampa. Contact Irene 239-572-3988, info@ irenerimer.com, universalflamenco.org
TUESDAY, JULY 11
Chi Gong Class - 4-5pm. Held in The Garden at Bohemian Gypsy, learn and embrace Chi Gong techniques. Recommended love donation per class: $5-10. Bohemian Gypsy, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 12
Concepts from The Feldenkrais Method Online - 6-9pm. Full 15-hour seminars online. Rehabilitate feet, knees and back through walking. 2 CEs each for LMTs. 20% less using code: 20OFFTTI. More info, 941-360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota. com/Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/
Concepts from The Feldenkrais Method Online6:30-8:30pm. Free 2-hour online seminar for your neck and shoulders. 2 CEs each for LMTs. 20% less using code: 20OFFTTI. More info, 941-360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/
THURSDAY, JULY 13
Chi Gong Class - 4-5pm. Held in The Garden at Bohemian Gypsy, learn and embrace Chi Gong techniques. Recommended love donation per class: $5-10. Bohemian Gypsy, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.
Concepts from The Feldenkrais Method Online - 10am-1pm, also June 16. Full 15-hour seminars online. Rehabilitate feet, knees and back through walking. 2 CEs each for LMTs. 20% less using code: 20OFFTTI. More info, 941-360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/
TUESDAY, JULY 18
Chi Gong Class - 4-5pm. Held in The Garden at Bohemian Gypsy, learn and embrace Chi Gong techniques. Recommended love donation per class: $5-10. Bohemian Gypsy, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 19
Free Hypnosis-NLP Webinar: Time Line Techniques - 7:30-8:30pm. Interactive webinar with Certified Master Trainer, Patricia V. Scott, PhD. With 31 years of experience as a Medical Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner and Certified Master Trainer, Patti shares practical, easy-to-use concepts & techniques with Q&A. (Usually held 3rd Weds. monthly w/various topics) Register by 5pm for log-in details: 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.
Ayahuasca Awakening - July 19-22. Partake in a sacred ayahuasca ceremony to heal from human suffering and connect to the divine wisdom and truth within. Receive personal guidance to prepare the mind, body and soul for the ceremony; a twoday ayahuasca ceremony in Colombia with shamans and healers with 40-plus years of experience; three months of guided integration and support following the ceremony. $2,779/retreat, guided preparation, and supported integration. To schedule a free consultation, visit AdAstraAwakening.com
SATURDAY, JULY 22
Medical Hypnotherapy Specialty Certification (Online) Begins - 1-6pm. Prerequisite: 200 hours prior hypnosis training. Patricia V. Scott, PhD, Certified Master Trainer for the International Medical & Dental Hypnotherapy Association, teaches medical applications to work with referrals. Dates: July 2223; Aug. 12-13, 26-27; Sept. 16-17 (plus practicums & exams) Register by 6/30: $785 or $685 (UPHI Mbr); After: $855; $785 (Mbr). UPHypnosis.com.
The Astrology Workshop - 3-6pm. Dr. Irene Rimer facilitates. What is the Taro? Rota-Wheel, Tora-Book of Thoth? Ancient symbology for critical thinking. Also, Astro Charts $35 to $55 with inter-
Plan Ahead
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Hypnosis International Certification Begins - Receive 3 Certifications: International Association of Counselors & Therapists, UPHI & IHF, with Patricia V. Scott, PhD (Certified Master Trainer). Training online (ZOOM) w/some “Live” for locals-Oldsmar. Learn basic & advanced techniques, medical uses, regression, parts-integration, time-line techniques, smoking cessation, weight/diet control, NLP & more. Enroll by 8/15: $3095; $2895 (UPHI Mbr); After: $3395/$3095. 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
Ayahuasca Awakening - October 18-21. Partake in a sacred ayahuasca ceremony to heal from human suffering and connect to the divine wisdom and truth within. Receive personal guidance to prepare the mind, body and soul for the ceremony; a two-day ayahuasca ceremony in Colombia with shamans and healers with 40-plus years of experience; three months of guided integration and support following the ceremony. $2,779/retreat, guided preparation, and supported integration. To schedule a free consultation, visit AdAstraAwakening.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20
Re-Parenting Your Inner Child Yoga Retreat in the Mountains of Puerto Rico - Oct 20-22. Reflect on your childhood while taking in the nature that Puerto Rico offers. Re-parent your inner child. Lodging, all plant-based meals and activities included. Airfare and transportation additional. Early bird pricing before May 31. Info and booking: ZNGCruisesAndRetreats.com or contact Monica at 813-586-3656 or ZNGCruisesAndRetreats@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27
Ayahuasca Awakening - December 27-30. Partake in a sacred ayahuasca ceremony to heal from human suffering and connect to the divine wisdom and truth within. Receive personal guidance to prepare the mind, body and soul for the ceremony; a two-day ayahuasca ceremony in Colombia with shamans and healers with 40-plus years of experience; three months of guided integration and support following the ceremony. $2,779/retreat, guided preparation, and supported integration. To schedule a free consultation, visit AdAstraAwakening.com
Ongoing Events
SUNDAY
Sunday Celebration Services - 11am. Unity Palm Harbor is building a beautiful community. Join in for uplifting, heart-centered celebration every Sunday. 1960 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 727-784 7911, UnityOfPalmHarbor.org.
MONDAY
Gentle Yoga Flow - 6-7:30pm. Concentrates on flowing sequences to warm up the body using breathing and postures. It is designed for students looking for slower paced movements, gentle stretching or are new to yoga. No experience required. Facilitated by Kelley of Rooted Sol Yoga. Space is limited. $15/class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st. Ave. SW, Largo. Reservations 727776-0519.
Yoga - 6pm (also Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat.) Join in on the yoga experience with our new instructor, Alexa! Having moved down from the Boston area, she is excited to bring her brand of yoga to the area. Bring your mat or use one of ours, but do come down and join in the calming world of yoga. $15/session; package alternatives available. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. Reserve your space, 727-346-5875.
TUESDAY
Meditation Practice & Study Group - 6:30-8pm. Tuesdays & Sundays. For beginners & experi- enced. Join Dr. Castellani in his integral awareness approach to effortless meditation, melding methods of Mantra, Mindfulness & Core-consciousness Awareness. $5/class. 809 S. Hillcrest Ave., Clearwater. Info 716-816-5464.
Wednesday
A Course in Miracles Study Group -10am. Unity Palm Harbor, 1960 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 727784 7911, UnityOfPalmHarbor.org
Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 11am. Online! Awareness through Movement classes: Lessons (in chairs/ on floor) are designed to quiet non-working habitual patterns, invite you into a process for learning and offer experiences for more efficient movement. Ongoing classes-movement lessons w/replays. More info, 941-360-2248, FeldenkraisInSarasota. com. Register, FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/SarasotaClasses-Feldenkrais/
Gentle Yoga Flow - 6-7:30pm. Concentrates on flowing sequences to warm up the body using breathing and postures. It is designed for students looking for slower paced movements, gentle stretching or are new to yoga. No experience required. Facilitated by Kelley of Rooted Sol Yoga. Space is limited. $15/class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st. Ave. SW, Largo. Reservations 727776-0519.
Yoga Session: Hatha Yoga with a Therapist -6:307:30ish pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW ACE CFI, for a yoga session that will not only strengthen your mind-body connection, but will help you to get in deeper touch with your inner calm. Space is limited, reserve now. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. 727-346-5875.
Gong Meditation and Sound Journey - 7pm. (2nd Weds. monthly) Facilitated by Gregg Akin, Sound Healer. Unity Palm Harbor, 1960 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 727-784 7911, UnityOfPalmHarbor.org
Thursday
Restorative Yoga - 7:30-8:30pm. Awaken and heal through contemplative self-awareness and personalized instruction, facilitated by Intuitive Healer Ronni Ford. $15 Drop-in rate with a reservation. Studio 3, 210 Patricia Ave., Dunedin. RonniFordyeh@gmail.com
