Does My Dog Need The Lyme Vaccine
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. It is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in dogs and can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, joint swelling, lameness, and decreased appetite. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious health problems such as kidney failure and nervous system disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for treating and managing Lyme disease in dogs, and regular tick prevention measures can help reduce the risk of infection.
Co-Factors For Lyme Disease
Other conditions may contributed to increased risk of developing or the severity of Lyme Disease:
Chronic Inflammation
Immune Compromised Pets
Other Viruses
Unresolved Parasites
Bacteria, Fungi, Mold
Heavy Metals
Toxins
Lyme Disease Treatment
Lyme disease in dogs is typically treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic and length of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection and the individual dog's health status. In most cases, oral antibiotics are prescribed for several weeks. In more severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.
In the holistic world, we know that we can leverage essential oils, herbs, and homeopathy as part of a wellness plan for dogs infected with Lyme Disease and avoid the more harsh effects of traditional antibiotics. No, we’re not anti-antibiotics and know that there are times they are necessary. But in most cases, natural alternatives are available to try first!
New studies are showing that Cat’s Claw is proving to be more effective than antibiotics at treating dogs with Lyme Disease.
Lyme Vaccine For Dogs
It is important to note that while the vaccine provides protection against the disease, it is not 100% effective, and dogs can still contract Lyme disease despite vaccination.
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics (some, including me, would argue essential oils and homeopathy). Should there be a tick bite to you or the dog we can be a number of remedies to support exposure to tick-borne illness.
Lyme is not the only disease we are exposed to with a tick bite and the Lyme vaccine does nothing for those. The vaccine also offers no benefit after being exposed to the Lyme organism.
And you'll recall that the flea and tick topicals and orals still leave an opportunity for the tick to bite your dog before dying. So repellent is a better goal. This means control in your environment.
This is considered an optional vaccine for your dog as well. We must control the tick environment first and foremost. We know we can do this naturally.
We have to ask: If our flea and tick preventatives (natural of course) work, how much at risk are our dogs really?)
Is Lyme Disease caused by Parasites?
Arguably, yes. With this in mind, we need to also be sure that part of normal supportive approaches for our pets include parasite cleanses on a regular basis, and as part of the approach to help a body infected with Lyme. Parasite cleanses can be done with essential oils and herbs.
In 2016, Alan B MacDonald MD, documented two Borrelia pathogens, including B. burgdorferi the causative agent of Lyme disease, thriving inside parasitic nematode worms, worm eggs or larvae in the brain tissue of nineteen deceased patients. These microscopic worms are endosymbionts, meaning the Borrelia bacteria dwell inside the worms. A tick bite delivers the nematode into the human body.
Does The Lyme Vaccine for Dogs Work?
Lyme Vaccine is only about 50-80% effective -- and will not cover all the strain variations of tick-borne illnesses.
The human Lyme Vaccine has been pulled from the market for safety reasons. The concern surrounded adverse events and possibilities that the vaccine caused arthritis symptoms in humans. Lyme vaccine for dogs remains in use. But this should give you pause. Research continued to suggest that the Lyme Vaccine is a co-factor in the progression of Stage 1 symptoms to more serious disease. That’s to say, the vaccine itself makes the disease worse.
If your dog has been exposed to a possible tick-borne bite, there are options you have to support your pet using essential oils, homeopathy and natural wellness protocols. Let’s talk! See Treating A Dog With Lyme Disease for more information.
If you do elect to vaccinate your dog for Lyme or any other vaccine, please consider Vaccine Detox Protocols.