Are ticks making your dog more aggressive?

If you notice your calm, friendly pup is suddenly meaner and easily agitated, she could be suffering from Lyme disease. 

Lyme disease is a serious condition that is transferred to dogs by deer ticks, and it could cause your dog to exhibit behavioral changes, including irritability, aggression and other health issues.

According to VetInfo, it takes about 24 hours for the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease to infect your dog. That is why the source suggested checking him for ticks sooner rather than later. Fortunately, Lyme disease doesn't always cause neurological problems. If infected with the bacteria, your dog is more likely to experience joint inflammation, high fever, loss of appetite and swollen lymph nodes, reported PetMD.

However, Lyme disease can sometimes be responsible for seizures, depression, confusion, over-eating and aggression, according to VetInfo. The condition can be difficult to diagnose at times, because some of the more common symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

If diagnosed, there are antibiotics that can help treat the condition. The best treatment for your pup, though, is preventative care. Check your dog regularly for ticks and use Hartz® Ultraguard® Flea and Tick Topical Drops for Dogs and Puppies to help prevent Lyme disease.

This content is provided by the pet wellness experts at Hartz. We offer complete flea and tick protection for your pet, home and yard.