Lyme Disease Prevention Month: Lyme Risk Is Growing in Ohio Pets

As temperatures rise and pets spend more time outdoors, tick exposure becomes a serious concern across Ohio. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC)  reports that Lyme disease risk in dogs continues to expand westward and southward beyond historically high-risk regions, with the Midwest remaining an area of growing concern.

Here in Ohio, pets are especially at risk during spring and summer when they spend time on wooded hiking trails, in neighborhood backyards, at local parks, and even in tall grass around the home. Even dogs that do not venture far beyond their yard can still be exposed to ticks.

For pet owners in Ohio, this means Lyme prevention is no longer optional seasonal care. It should be part of your pet’s year-round wellness plan.

Protecting Your Pet Starts with the Lyme Vaccine

One of the most effective ways to protect your pet includes the Lyme vaccine.

For pets receiving the vaccine for the first time, it is given as an initial vaccine followed by one booster dose a few weeks later. After that, it only needs to be given once per year to maintain protection.

The Lyme vaccine can be administered as part of the annual wellness visit, or if your pet is already current on their doctor’s exam, it can be conveniently administered during a technician visit, making it simple to keep them protected.

The Strongest Defense: Vaccine + Monthly Prevention

For the best protection, we recommend combining the Lyme vaccine with a reliable monthly tick preventive.

We carry trusted Zoetis products like Simparica and Simparica Trio, which are labeled to help prevent the spread of Lyme disease by killing ticks before transmission occurs.

Using both monthly prevention and the Lyme vaccine creates a strong barrier against Lyme disease, giving your pet layered protection against one of the most important tick-borne illnesses we see in dogs.

Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Pets

One of the most challenging things about Lyme disease is that signs may not appear right away. Some pets do not show symptoms for weeks or even months after a tick bite.

Common signs include:

• Limping or shifting leg lameness
• Joint swelling or stiffness
• Fever
• Fatigue or decreased energy
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Pain when touched
• Difficulty jumping, climbing stairs, or getting comfortable

Long-Term Impacts of Lyme Disease

Without treatment, Lyme disease can have lasting effects on your pet’s health, including:

• Chronic arthritis and joint inflammation
• Persistent pain and stiffness
• Recurring lameness
• Kidney disease that can be severe and life-threatening
• In rare cases, neurologic or heart complications

One of the most serious complications is kidney disease, which can become life-threatening if not identified early.

Prevention Matters More Than Ever in Ohio

With Lyme risk continuing to grow in dogs across Ohio and the Midwest, prevention is more important than ever. A yearly Lyme vaccine combined with monthly prevention like Simparica or Simparica Trio provides a strong, layered defense against tick exposure.

If your pet is due for their Lyme vaccine or prevention refill, our team is here to help keep them protected all year long. Schedule your pet’s wellness exam or technician visit today and give them the best protection against Lyme disease.