Can Fleas Cause Lyme Disease?

If you have a pet and you take your dog or cat outdoors often, you should regularly check for ticks. They can carry the disease, so it’s important to remove them as soon as you notice them. This disease is usually treatable with antibiotics, but in some cases, it can cause neurological damage if left untreated. A doctor can give you a detailed diagnosis by looking at your history and physical findings.

In recent years, the number of cases of Lyme disease has increased nationwide. The majority of reported cases occur in 15 states. The map below shows the change in distribution from 1996 to 2018. As you can see, the disease is becoming more widespread across the United States. It has spread to the southern part of Canada as well.

The bites of fleas can cause intense itching, and your pet may scratch constantly. This can lead to skin infections, and it can also make your pet nervous. In addition, fleas may harbor bacteria and viruses that can transmit Lyme disease. Therefore, it’s important to check for signs of Lyme disease in your dog or cat.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi that is carried by ticks that feed on infected animals. Symptoms of the disease can begin two to five months after the tick has attached. The symptoms may be mild, or they can be severe and fatal.