Tick Season is Here!
At Barnside we have always recommended annual Lyme vaccination for our canine patients. We can now provide better protection with the newest Lyme vaccine from Zoetis.
Borrelia burgdorferi is the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. There are 2 outer surface proteins OspA and OspC on the Borrelia bacteria within ticks. 7 subtypes of OspC protein are combined to form what's called a chimera. The new Lyme vaccine contains both OspA and this OspC chimera to provide broader protection. |
In Monmouth and Ocean County, there are many species of ticks which frequently cause diseases such as Lyme, Rocky Mt Spotted Fever, Babesia, Ehrlichia and Anaplasmosis. Even if you don't live in a "woodsy" area, raccoons, opossums and other suburban visitors to your yard likely have ticks hitch-hiking a ride.
In NJ, ticks are a problem year-round, but peak tick activity tends to be Spring and Fall (which is also when people and dogs are outside more). Check your pets and family members daily for ticks. In addition to Lyme vaccination, keep your dog on a safe, broad-spectrum tick product such as Bravecto or Frontline year-round.
---Meredith L. Weltner-Sharin VMD
In NJ, ticks are a problem year-round, but peak tick activity tends to be Spring and Fall (which is also when people and dogs are outside more). Check your pets and family members daily for ticks. In addition to Lyme vaccination, keep your dog on a safe, broad-spectrum tick product such as Bravecto or Frontline year-round.
---Meredith L. Weltner-Sharin VMD