Lyme Disease in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention

Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial illness transmitted by ticks to both humans and animals, including dogs. People and animals can be bitten by deer ticks while camping, hiking, or even just spending time outdoors in their yard. This bacterial infection can be particularly challenging as it can move throughout the body causing issues in the organs and joints. Our MedVet team shares how you can prevent Lyme disease, while understanding the signs of the disease, treatment options and how to safely remove a tick from your dog.    

What is Lyme Disease?  

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, primarily transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected ticks, particularly the deer tick (also known as the black-legged tick). These ticks are commonly found in grassy, wooded, and sandy areas. While Lyme disease can affect both humans and pets, it is not directly transmitted between them. The disease is solely transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease can be diagnosed in any state due to the range of the deer tick but is most diagnosed in the Midwest and Eastern United States.   

Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs  

Most dogs infected with Lyme disease take two to five months before they show signs and by this time, the disease may be widespread throughout the body. It can take even longer for some dogs to show signs, which may include:  

• Lameness: Dogs may have enlarged/swollen legs or one leg that is lame or shifting leg lameness because the disease causes swollen joints.   
• Kidney issues: Dogs may experience kidney-related signs, including vomiting, weight loss, and increased thirst, increased urinations, and poor appetite.
• Fever: Dogs with Lyme disease often have high fevers.   

Many times, dogs with Lyme disease are taken to their family veterinarian because they have generalized pain, limping, and a decreased appetite.

How is Lyme Disease in Dogs Diagnosed?  

There are diagnostic tests your veterinarian can perform to confirm the presence of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The most common test is an antibody test, which detects the presence of antibodies produced by the dog’s immune system in response to the infection. This test is typically performed four weeks after a tick bite to allow sufficient time for the antibodies to develop.   

In some cases, your veterinarian might recommend further testing, including PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or the C6 antibody ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). These tests measure specific antibodies in your pet’s blood to determine if the infection is recent or longstanding. The C6 test also quantifies antibody levels, indicating the severity of the infection. This data assists your veterinarian in devising the most effective treatment plan for your pet. 

General blood and urine tests may be conducted to evaluate kidney function and check for any signs of protein loss in the urine, as Lyme disease can sometimes lead to kidney complications.   Joint fluid analysis can also be performed to assess inflammation and the presence of bacteria in the affected joints.   

Treating Lyme Disease in Dogs  

Lyme disease in dogs is typically treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or azithromycin. The duration of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the infection, but it usually lasts around four weeks. It is important for your dog to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your veterinarian to ensure effective eradication of the bacteria.   

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for dogs with Lyme disease is generally good. However, if left untreated or if the disease progresses, it can lead to more severe complications.  

How to Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs  

Preventing Lyme disease in dogs involves a multi-faceted approach. Here are some key prevention strategies:  

• Use tick preventive products recommended by your veterinarian. There are versions that can be applied to the skin (on the back of the neck) or chewable products. Most of these products are to be used monthly although some last as long as three months.   
• Be cautious in areas where ticks are commonly found, such as tall grasses and wooded areas. They live above ground in shady and moist areas.   
• Perform regular tick checks on your dog after outdoor activities. Rub their body from head to tail to feel for lumps. Then pull back their hair to see the skin, paying attention to hidden areas like ears, armpits, groin, and between toes.  Keep in mind that nymph ticks, which are only the size of a poppy seed, can be hard to see.  
• Keep your yard well-maintained and free from tick-friendly environments, like tall grass and standing water. Consider planting lavender, rosemary, or marigolds in your yard as they have natural tick-repellent properties. You can also have your property professionally treated for tick control.   
• Consider vaccinating your dog against Lyme disease, especially if you live in areas where deer ticks are more common or Lyme disease is more prevalent. The vaccine should be administered in two initial doses, spaced two to four weeks apart, ideally just before the start of tick season. This timing ensures the most effective protection during the peak of the season. It is more challenging to develop an effective vaccine for bacteria compared to viruses like parvo or rabies. Consequently, annual revaccination is necessary to sustain your dog’s immunity, as the protection from bacterial vaccines diminishes more rapidly.

How to Remove a Tick from Your Dog  

Lyme disease can take up to 24-48 to infect the host, so it’s imperative to remove a tick found on your pet immediately. To safely remove a tick from your dog:  

• Use tweezers or a tick removal tool: It’s important to firmly grasp the tick by its head, close to the skin, and avoid squeezing the body. This helps prevent the tick’s contents, including potential disease-causing bacteria, from being forced into the skin.  
• Pull gently and steadily: With a firm grip on the tick’s head, pull straight upward with a steady motion. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this may cause the tick’s mouth or head to break off and remain in the skin.  
• Check for any remnants: After removing the tick, inspect the area to ensure that the entire tick, including its head and mouthparts, has been removed. If any parts remain, try to remove them using the same gentle technique. If you encounter difficulty, consult your veterinarian for assistance.  
• Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the bite area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. You can also apply an antiseptic to the area if desired.  
• Monitor for signs of infection: Keep an eye on the bite area for the next 24 hours. If you notice any redness, swelling, or signs of infection, contact your veterinarian for further guidance.  
• Contact your veterinarian: Because of the number of diseases transmitted by ticks, some veterinarians may want your pet to be tested for diseases four to six weeks after a tick is removed. Some may even prescribe your pet an antibiotic right away as a preventative measure.  

Watch this helpful video to see how to remove a tick from your dog. If you’re unsure about removing a tick or if your dog shows any signs of illness after a tick bite, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian for proper guidance and care.

Read more about Lyme disease from The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).