Warmer weather arrives, and so does the worry. When my vet told me my sweet boy Phoenix tested positive for both Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis, my heart sank — he was on prevention, faithfully every month. What she explained was eye-opening: tick preventatives make ticks bite and fall off, but if that tick is a carrier, damage can happen in that brief window. In Fairfield County, tick-borne diagnoses are remarkably common, symptomatic or not.

Know the Signs

Symptoms can appear within weeks of exposure or not at all. Watch for lethargy, shifting leg lameness, swollen joints, fever and reduced appetite. With anaplasmosis, bruising or unusual bleeding may occur. Many dogs are diagnosed through routine bloodwork with no outward signs — which is why annual testing matters.

Treatment Is Tough on the Gut

Doxycycline is commonly prescribed, but it can be hard on sensitive stomachs, and many probiotics are eliminated alongside gut bacteria, slowing recovery.

The Probiotic That Actually Survives

A yeast-based probiotic such as Saccharomyces boulardii can withstand antibiotic treatment and continue supporting gut health. Options include Florastor or FortiFlora Advanced.

A Little Support Goes a Long Way

Prevention matters — but it is not a guarantee. If your dog is diagnosed and prescribed antibiotics, S. boulardii can support a stronger recovery.

For more information, contact Allegra Jacobs at Wild Roots Animal Wellness, visit WildRootsAnimal.net or call 203-448-9390. See ad, page 14.