Prevention of canine Lyme disease

Environmental factors

Environmental factors play a huge role

You do not have complete control when it comes to environmental risk factors in your area. Many of the following environmental risk factors can be found in endemic and expansion canine Lyme disease areas:

• Tick hosts such as mice and deer are in contact with dogs and people
• Over abundance of deer in areas near your home
• Suburban homes encroaching on wildlife areas
• Dog parks and hiking trails in wooded areas
• Warmer weather over 40 degrees contributes to tick activity

Assess the environment you live in

• Do you live in a Lyme endemic area where the threat of Lyme disease is constant?
• Do you live in an expanding area where the threat is present to varying degrees?
• Do you live in an isolated area where the threat is present in some areas?

Determine which one of the areas you live in with our quiz

Environmental tick control on your property

• Reduce ticks by clearing brush away from yards
• Create a buffer zone around yards with stone walls or brick fences
• Consider proper use of tick products such as ascaricides and insecticides on property. Call your veterinarian or your county extension agent to suggest safe and effective products
• Consider professional help in getting rid of ticks inside homes, kennels and other areas the dog frequents