1. Open the application and start a chat with a certified vet.
2. Talk to the vet regarding the concern that is faced by your little one or have a regular chat about your pet’s health
3. You will be presented with a personalized plan for your pet as soon as the expert assesses your furry friend’s condition.

• Reduced stress: Pets often experience higher levels of stress and anxiety when visiting a traditional veterinary clinic due to the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. CuddlyTails is an online platform that allows them to receive care from the comfort of their home environment, minimizing stress and potential complications.
• Video and photo consultation: CuddlyTails allows owners to share videos or photos of their pets, enabling the veterinarian to observe the pet’s behavior, mobility, and any potential issues in their familiar surroundings. This can provide valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment.
• Accessibility to specialists: CuddlyTails provides access to a network of specialists, who can offer expert guidance on caring for pets and addressing any unique challenges they may face.
• Personalized advice: Through consultations and detailed discussions with the owner, CuddlyTails can offer personalized advice on creating a safe and enriching environment for pets, including tips on litter box placement, feeding routines, and navigating the home.

Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection that can affect dogs, causing a range of symptoms from fever and lethargy to joint pain and kidney problems. It is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, primarily the black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick) in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs

The most common symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Lameness that shifts from leg to leg
• Swollen joints
• Swollen lymph nodes

In some cases, Lyme disease can also lead to more serious complications like kidney disease (Lyme nephritis), which can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms of Lyme nephritis include vomiting, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and lethargy.

Causes and Transmission

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected tick. The black-legged tick picks up the bacteria when it feeds on infected rodents or deer. When the tick then bites a dog, it can transmit the bacteria, which can then spread throughout the dog’s body.

Diagnosis

Lyme disease is diagnosed through a combination of clinical signs, a dog’s history of tick exposure, and blood tests. The most common test is the SNAP 4Dx, which detects antibodies to B. burgdorferi and can provide results in just 8 minutes. A positive result indicates exposure to the bacteria, but not necessarily active disease. Other tests like the Quant C6 and PCR may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Lyme disease in dogs is typically treated with a 30-day course of antibiotics, most commonly doxycycline. Pain medication may also be prescribed to manage joint discomfort. In cases of Lyme nephritis, more intensive treatment is required, including IV fluids, medications to manage kidney disease, and nutritional support. However, the prognosis for Lyme nephritis is often poor.

Prevention

The best ways to prevent Lyme disease in dogs include:

• Using year-round tick prevention medication
• Regularly checking for and promptly removing ticks
• Avoiding areas with high tick populations, such as tall grass and wooded areas
• Vaccination, which can help reduce the risk of Lyme disease

While most dogs infected with B. burgdorferi do not develop clinical signs, Lyme disease can be a serious and potentially fatal condition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing the disease and preventing complications. If you suspect your dog may have Lyme disease, contact your veterinarian immediately for evaluation and appropriate treatment.