Lyme Disease In Dogs

Summer is here and the warmer weather brings more than sunshine and outdoor fun, it also marks the height of flea and tick season. Whether you're walking your dog through tall grass, hiking forest trails, or visiting the beach, these parasites are always lurking. Of particular concern is the deer tick, a known carrier of Lyme disease, which can infect both dogs and humans.

It is important to understand how Lyme disease in dogs spreads, what symptoms to look for, and how to prevent it to keep your dog safe and healthy all year round.

What Is Lyme Disease in Dogs?

Lyme disease is a serious and potentially chronic illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. Once bitten, a dog may not show symptoms right away, but the infection can slowly spread and lead to more serious complications if left untreated.

Although Lyme disease primarily affects dogs, it’s considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from animals to humans, typically through a tick bite, not direct contact with your pet. While rare, cats can also contract Lyme disease, though their symptoms tend to mirror those seen in dogs.

Geographically, Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, upper Midwest, and Pacific Northwest of the United States. However, climate change and increased travel with pets have expanded the risk to other regions.

Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs

One of the challenges with tick-borne diseases in dogs is that symptoms can be delayed for weeks or even months after exposure. In some cases, dogs may show no signs at all. That’s why awareness and early detection are very important.

Look for these common signs of Lyme disease in dogs:

• Sudden fatigue or reluctance to exercise

• Intermittent limping or joint pain

• Fever

• Swollen joints or lymph nodes

• Loss of appetite

Because these symptoms can also resemble other illnesses, it’s important to let your veterinarian know if your dog may have been exposed to ticks, even if it was months ago.

How Lyme Disease Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing Lyme disease in dogs typically involves a combination of reviewing your dog’s medical history, discussing possible tick exposure, and conducting diagnostic testing. The most common in-clinic test is the SNAP 4Dx test, a quick and reliable blood test that checks for Lyme disease, heartworm, and other tick-borne infections.

This test only requires a small blood sample and delivers results within minutes. If the SNAP test comes back positive, your vet may recommend additional testing to confirm the diagnosis or evaluate whether the disease has affected your dog’s kidneys, heart, or nervous system.

Treatment Options for Lyme Disease

If your dog tests positive for Lyme disease, your veterinarian will usually prescribe a course of antibiotics, most often doxycycline, which is effective at eliminating the infection. Treatment typically lasts 28 to 30 days. In some cases, additional medications may be needed to relieve joint pain, inflammation, or fever.

Most dogs begin to feel better within just a few days of starting treatment. However, relapses can occur, so it’s important to finish the entire course of antibiotics and monitor your pet for any returning symptoms.

How to Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs

When it comes to tick-borne illnesses, prevention is far better than treatment. Protecting your dog against Lyme disease requires a combination of regular tick control, vigilance, and periodic testing.

• Use a veterinarian-recommended tick preventative year-round. Options include spot-on treatments, oral medications, and tick collars.

• Inspect your dog (and yourself) for ticks daily, especially after time spent outdoors. Be sure to check hidden areas like between the toes, behind the ears, and under the collar.

• Avoid high-risk areas such as tall grasses, dense woods, or leaf litter during peak tick seasons (spring through early fall).

• Keep your lawn trimmed and free of debris to reduce tick habitats in your yard.

Ask your vet about the Lyme disease vaccine. While not necessary for all dogs, it may be recommended in high-risk areas or for dogs with frequent outdoor exposure.

Schedule regular vet checkups that include blood testing for tick-borne diseases, even if your dog shows no symptoms.

Should You Vaccinate Your Dog for Lyme Disease?

The Lyme disease vaccine for dogs is available, but it’s not universally recommended. Your veterinarian can help you determine if it’s appropriate based on your dog’s lifestyle, health status, and regional risk. For dogs that spend time outdoors in tick-prone areas, vaccination can offer an additional layer of protection when combined with other preventive measures.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme disease in dogs is a serious health concern, but it can be managed and often avoided with early detection and proper prevention. By understanding the symptoms of Lyme disease, maintaining a strong tick prevention routine, and keeping up with your dog’s annual vet visits, you can help protect your pup from this debilitating illness.

If you ever notice unusual behavior like limping, fatigue, or a loss of appetite in your dog, especially following time outdoors, talk to your veterinarian right away. A proactive approach could make all the difference in your dog’s long-term health.