Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

As the days get longer and warmer, more and more dogs and their people are hitting the trails and heading out on camping trips. Unfortunately, it’s also the perfect condition for ticks to emerge from dormancy looking for a tasty snack. These tiny bloodsuckers can transmit various diseases to both humans and animals through their bites, including Lyme disease. April is “Prevent Lyme in Dogs Month,” which means we’re here to educate pet owners about the dangers of this disease. 

What Is Lyme Disease? 

Lyme disease is caused by a specific bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by bites from infected ticks. It is incredibly prevalent in the United States. In fact, according to the Global Lyme Alliance, roughly 1 in 5 dogs routinely tested for blood parasites tested positive for Lyme disease antibodies in 2018. 

Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs

Most dogs infected with Borrelia bacteria will appear healthy, with no signs at all. However, some infected dogs will go on to develop signs of illness—which can be quite severe. In dogs who do become ill, diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms may not show up until 2-5 months after the initial tick bite. 

The most common signs of Lyme disease in dogs include: 

• Limping that appears suddenly, shifts from leg to leg, and may disappear intermittently
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Decreased activity
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Painful, swollen joints

Some dogs may also develop a type of kidney disease called Lyme nephritis. Signs that Lyme disease is affecting the kidneys are often non-specific and include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia (lack of appetite), and weight loss.

Treating Lyme Disease in Dogs

Because Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose, the infection is often widespread or even chronic before dog owners know anything is wrong. To diagnose Lyme disease in dogs, your veterinarian will use a combination of tests along with discussing your pet's recent travel history, tick exposure, and the symptoms your dog is showing. 

Once your dog has a Lyme disease diagnosis, the most common treatment is an antibiotic called doxycycline. Treatment typically lasts 30 days, and most symptoms clear up quickly with antibiotic treatment. Dogs with severe disease may need hospitalization for supportive care, including intravenous (IV) fluids and medications to support the kidneys. 

Lyme Disease Prevention

Like many other illnesses, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to Lyme disease. Considering early signs of Lyme disease in dogs can be subtle or mistaken for other issues, year-round prevention is the most reliable way to safeguard your dog’s long-term health. Just one simple monthly topical or chewable preventative can reduce the risk of infection and avoid the complications and dangers of Lyme disease.

Beyond that, you can limit your dog’s exposure to ticks in the first place. The most common habitats for ticks in Oregon include areas with dense vegetation, moisture, and plenty of wildlife. This includes dense, wooded forests or parks, gardens, and fields with tall grasses and shrubbery. 

What To Do If Your Dog Gets Bitten By A Tick

If you find a live tick on your dog or suspect your dog has been bitten, contact your vet as soon as possible. Your dog’s veterinary team can either remove the tick for you or talk you through how to remove it safely and effectively. 

In either event, you’ll want to save the tick’s body in isopropyl alcohol or take a clear picture to document the tick. If your dog starts showing signs of tick-borne illness, your veterinarian may want to identify or test the tick.

Keep Your Pup Happy & Healthy This Tick Season!

Although it’s treatable, Lyme disease can cause your pet months of pain and discomfort as well as recurring, chronic symptoms. The best way to keep them happy and healthy? Talk to your veterinarian about year-round tick prevention! 

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