Question:
I have two 3-year-old dogs (English setter and Aussie). After reading many articles about bad reactions to tick treatments and Lyme vaccinations, I decided to take a holistic approach. During tick season, I used a flea comb and headlamp to meticulously go through their fur. This worked for three years.
Unfortunately, last week, I missed one that was identified as a deer tick by the department of health. Five days later, my English setter developed a high fever. The vet put her on Doxycycline. Her subsequent blood work was positive for Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis.
My questions for you are:
- Did I make a mistake by not using a product like Frontline or vaccinating? I am second-guessing my decision.
- She is on six weeks of Doxycycline. Should I be doing anything else?
- Should I vaccinate or use tick treatments in the future?
My dogs are fed organic dry, mixed with organic raw food. I also add flaxseed oil.
B-E.S., Minnetonka, MN Nov 28, 2010
Answer:
In areas where there are heavy, seasonal or year-round infestations of ticks and other potential disease-carrying insects, you are forced to use products like Frontline on dogs who get outdoors, as my wife Deanna Krantz had to when she ran an animal refuge in the wilds of India. She used poultry to keep the ticks at bay (chickens eat them) and goats to clear the underbrush where ticks like to hide and multiply.
Ecological methods of reducing noxious insect surges are available, and tried-and-true, easy-to-apply methods should be considered by all communities and municipalities. Keep your dog out of poorly managed woods, forests and parks, and rake out your yard.
Let me know how your dog responds to the treatment. With the proviso of early diagnosis (as is the case with your dog), thanks to your vigilance, such treatment may prove safer and more effective as well as less costly than vaccinations.
From the reported adverse reactions to Lyme vaccinations and unreliability in terms of effective protection, vigilance may be your best option.
Once your dog recovers, she should have some immunity, but have her basic functions (especially kidney) checked on a schedule that your veterinarian can advise.
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