Spring and summer are so short in Minnesota that you learn to deal with things like the greater likelihood of a tick bite. You also enjoy spending more time outdoors, especially with your pets. However, it's important to take precautions to protect both the people and pets in your family from the tick-borne virus that causes Lyme disease. Incidents of Lyme disease peak from late spring to mid-summer and are more prevalent in Minnesota and Wisconsin than any other states in the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Washington County, Minnesota and St. Croix County, Wisconsin are both high-risk areas.
Signs of Lyme Disease in Companion Animals
It's important to keep in mind that your pet may not exhibit signs of Lyme disease for several months after being infected with it. This is why it's important to check your dog or cat for ticks daily, even if she doesn't spend a lot of time outdoors. Ticks are tiny and can make it inside your home on the back of another pet or on the clothing of a family member. Although Lyme disease in cats is not nearly as common, avoid becoming complacent about checking all of your pets.
