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"     I worry that my Weimaraners might get Lyme disease, but I&amp;#039;ve heard that the preventive treatments can be harmful. What do you recommend? M.B., Madison, Connecticut Lyme disease, one of the most common tick-borne illnesses, is a recurrent bacterial arthritis that can affect horses, cats, dogs, and humans. Deer, though a host for Lyme ticks, do not get infected. When a dog comes down with the disease, he may limp, lose his appetite, and run a fever, but these signs often last only a few days, returning later. Left untreated, Lyme can be serious \u2014 damaging joints permanently, for instance \u2014 though it&amp;#039;s rarely fatal. In the Northeast, northern Midwest, and Pacific Coast \u2014 the areas where almost all Lyme cases occur \u2014 the best prevention is to vaccinate your dog against the disease and use a tick-control treatment. The vaccine, given in two shots, costs around $100, plus an annual booster that runs about $50. With tick-control products, always talk to your vet about the best option for your pet and your family. Most collars, sprays, and spot-ons contain some kind of pesticide \u2014 the point is, after all, to get rid of pests. Though relatively safe when properly administered, these treatments can be harmful if used incorrectly \u2014 especially on very young, old, or sick dogs. Which is exactly why I recommend conferring with your vet first.  The prevention isn&amp;#039;t a guarantee, but if your Weimaraner contracts Lyme, don&amp;#039;t worry \u2014 caught early, the disease should respond to antibiotics in a week. Some dogs may require a longer course of medication to get rid of the disease fully, so contact your vet if your pup&amp;#039;s limp returns. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a2890/dog-lyme-disease-0809/?click=main_sr>