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Tick season is just around the corner, and with tick bites come several possible diseases, including Lyme disease in dogs.
Did you know that 63,000 cases of Lyme Disease in humans were reported to the CDC in 2022?
While the definite number of animal cases is unknown, it's easy to imagine that the number is higher, given that animals are more exposed to ticks because of their behavior and habitat.
Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t realize their dog has Lyme disease until symptoms become severe.
The good news? With early detection and proper treatment, your dog can recover!
But how do you tell if your dog has Lyme disease? And more importantly, what should you do if they have it?
Let’s break it all down.
What Is Lyme Disease in Dogs?
Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bites of black-legged deer ticks and western black-legged ticks.
Lyme disease is not transmissible from dogs to humans and vice versa; it can only be caused by direct tick bites.
Once bitten, the bacteria take 24 to 48 hours to enter your dog's bloodstream.
The bacteria then spread throughout the body, potentially causing joint pain, fever, and kidney damage if left untreated.
The tricky part about Lyme disease is that it's difficult to spot the early signs. And not all dogs show symptoms, too!
Only 5 to 10% of bitten dogs show symptoms, making it all the more difficult to detect.
It’s important to catch Lyme disease early before it leads to long-term health issues.
RELATED: What Does a Tick Look Like on a Dog?
How to Tell If a Dog Has Lyme Disease
While the bacteria responsible for this disease takes up to 48 hours or 2 days to reach the bloodstream, its effects will not be obvious until the next 2 to 5 months.
Watch out for these symptoms:
Early Symptoms
(Appearing Within 2-5 Months of a Tick Bite)
- Lethargy and reduced energy levels. Your usually active and playful dog may suddenly seem tired and less interested in playtime.
- Loss of appetite and possible weight loss. You'll notice your dog eating less than normal or not at all.
- Stiffness or reluctance to move. Lyme disease can cause joint inflammation, making walking or running painful for your dog.
- Shifting leg lameness. This is another side effect of inflamed joints. You'll notice your dog limp on one leg for a few days, then switch to another.
- Fever. A high temperature indicates an infection in your dog's body.
Advanced Symptoms
(If Left Untreated)
- Kidney damage or Lyme nephritis. This can lead to vomiting, increased thirst and urination, and swelling in the limbs.
- Heart problems. This may not be as common, but it could be severe.
- Fever of 103°F or above.
- Neurological issues, including seizures, confusion, changes in behavior, or facial paralysis in rare cases.
RELATED: 9 Neurological Problems in Dogs with Pictures: Signs, Causes, Treatments
What to Do If a Dog Has Lyme Disease
If you know your pup has been bitten by a flea, and you see one or some of these symptoms later on, it's best to take action immediately.
Remember, early diagnosis is extremely important to prevent the effects of Lyme disease from progressing and causing more damage.
Step 1: Visit a Veterinarian Immediately
Diagnosing Lyme disease in dogs is tricky.
Other tick-borne illnesses can mimic Lyme disease; not all dogs show symptoms.
The first thing veterinarians would do is ask about your dog's history: tick exposure, travel history, your dog's symptoms, etc.
Afterward, they will have a blood test to confirm whether bacteria are present in the dog's blood and to measure the antibodies against the bacteria.
“The timing of the test can affect the results due to how long it takes for antibodies to develop; therefore, testing should be delayed at least 4-8 weeks after a tick bite.” (Source)
The tricky part is that blood tests can confirm the presence but not the type of bacteria—it could be Borrelia burgdorferi or another.
This means that getting a “positive result does not necessarily mean that it’s Lyme disease that is making the dog sick,” as the American Veterinary Medical Association wrote.
Additional tests that may be done include urine tests (to check for possible kidney issues), PCR tests, and other antibody tests.
Step 2: Treatment Options
Relief from symptoms is possible for Lyme disease in dogs, especially when detected and treated early.
Typically, vets prescribe antibiotics (doxycycline or amoxicillin) for 4 weeks or longer.
Depending on your dog's symptoms, other medications, such as pain or anti-inflammatory medications for joint problems, may also be given.
If your dog is not showing any signs or symptoms, frequent urine tests are a must to monitor their kidney health.
However, in the case of Lyme nephritis (kidney damage due to Lyme infection), hospitalization is possible for strict monitoring and comprehensive treatment, like “IV fluids, medications to help with protein loss and nausea, blood pressure management, nutritional support, antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs, and more.” (Source)
Step 3: Home Care & Recovery Tips
Whatever you can do at home will greatly help relieve your pup's discomfort caused by the possible effects of Lyme disease.
- Keep your dog hydrated – Ensure access to fresh, clean water at all times to help flush out toxins and support kidney function.
- Limit physical activity – Rest is crucial during recovery; avoid long walks or intense playtime until symptoms subside.
- Feed a nutritious diet + immune-boosting supplements like Omega-3s, probiotics, and vitamin C to aid recovery.
- Provide a warm, comfortable resting area – Lyme disease can cause joint pain, so ensure your dog has a soft, supportive bed to reduce pressure on sore joints.
- Regular tick checks and grooming – Continue checking your dog for ticks daily, as reinfection can occur.
- Monitor for lingering symptoms – Even after treatment, some dogs may experience occasional joint pain flare-ups; report any concerns to your vet.
- Use natural anti-inflammatory remedies. Supplements such as turmeric, glucosamine, and CBD oil may help reduce discomfort in recovering dogs (consult your vet first).
- Maintain a stress-free environment – Stress can weaken the immune system, so keep your dog's routine consistent and avoid unnecessary disruptions.
RELATED: 7 Proven Ways to Calm Down A Dog (Backed by Science)
Lyme Disease in Dogs: Life Expectancy
Lyme disease generally has a good prognosis as long as it's detected early, the symptoms are managed and treated, and further complications are mitigated.
Simply speaking, they can live their normal lifespan!
However, some symptoms may persist in chronic cases, requiring long-term care and significantly affecting quality and length of life.
When Lyme disease is left undetected and untreated, it can progress into Lyme nephritis, which rarely happens but is extremely deadly.
How to Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs
It's been said many times, but it'll always be true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
These are easy ways to make sure your dog is protected from ticks and the diseases they bring:
- Avoid higher risk areas during warmer seasons
- Check the dog for ticks every day, but especially after walks in high-risk areas
- Manage your landscape. Remove leaves, dirt, vegetative cover, and similar regions in which ticks love to hide.
- Prevent wildlife from entering your yard by using barriers and fences.
- Consider routinely vaccinating your dog against the disease on top of their monthly/yearly preventatives.
We have discussed more ways to prevent Lyme disease in dogs in this article: 10 Ways to Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs.
RELATED VIDEO:
FAQs Related to Lyme Disease in Dogs
1. Can dogs pass Lyme disease to humans?
No, dogs cannot transmit Lyme disease directly to humans, but they can carry infected ticks into your home.
2. Should I vaccinate my dog against Lyme disease?
Vaccination is recommended for dogs living in high-risk areas but is not necessary for all dogs. Consult your vet to see if the vaccine is right for your pet.
3. Do dogs need antibiotics after a tick bite?
Not always. Antibiotics are only necessary if a dog tests positive for Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness.
If a tick is removed within 24 hours, the risk of infection is low.
Besides, giving your dogs antibiotics without your vet's approval is a big no-no.
Antibiotic overdose in pets can have serious and potentially deadly consequences.
4. When should you worry about a tick bite in dogs?
If you see the site of the tick bite becomes red, swollen, or infected, and/or you find an engorged tick (which means it's been feeding for a long time, possibly more than 24 hours) on your dog, consult your vet for the best course of action.
5. What does a tick bite look like on dogs?
It can be similar to a mosquito bite: a small red bump with a scab or crust.
In some cases, you'll also see a bullseye-like rash (an undeniable sign of Lyme disease).
Lyme Disease in Dogs: Conclusion
Lyme disease is a serious but preventable condition.
Knowing how to tell if your dog has Lyme disease and what to do if it does, you can protect your pup from long-term health issues.
Ensure to prevent ticks from ever getting into your home and on your pup!
Read more about ticks by clicking the linked articles below!
