Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme disease in pets is increasing across North America. Here, our Oceanside area vets shed some light on what symptoms you can look for if you're concerned that your pet may have Lyme disease.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Borrelia, most commonly carried by deer ticks. Infection occurs when an uninfected animal is bitten by an infected deer tick (blacklegged tick). These ticks become infected when they feed on other infected animals such as deer, birds, and mice. Lyme disease can be found in both dogs and cats.

What are the signs of Lyme disease in dogs?

Many dogs are able to carry Lyme disease without showing symptoms. Nonetheless, other dogs can suffer from a range of painful or uncomfortable symptoms. If your dog is suffering from the effects of Lyme disease, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms.

If you notice that your pup is suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, contact your vet to book an examination. Left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to kidney failure and can even be fatal in severe cases. Serious cardiac and neurological effects may also result from an untreated Lyme disease infection.

Where is my dog likely to encounter ticks carrying Lyme disease?

Lyme disease in dogs has been diagnosed across all states, however, infection rates vary from one state to another. The highest numbers of Lyme disease in dogs are reported in the Upper Midwest, Pacific Coast, and Northeast regions of the United States.

Dogs contract Lyme disease by being bitten by an infected tick. Ticks of all kinds, including those carrying Lyme are most often found in wooded and grassy areas including farm fields. Ticks don't fly or jump. Instead, they find their prey by resting on the tips of grasses, shrubs, and leaves with their front legs outstretched waiting for direct contact with animals or people. As your dog brushes past, the tick simply grabs hold and latches on. 

How can Lyme disease be diagnosed?

Lyme disease in pets is treatable. If you are concerned that your pet may be suffering from Lyme disease, see your vet.

Your veterinarian will take a complete history of your pet's health, then run a series of tests including blood tests, urine analysis, fecal exam, and X-rays in order to diagnose Lyme disease. Fluid from your pet's affected joints may also be drawn for testing.

What happens if my pet is diagnosed with Lyme disease?

Treatment for Lyme disease in pets will include four or more weeks of antibiotics, possibly combined with anti-inflammatory medication to help relieve joint pain. Pets diagnosed with Lyme disease typically do not require hospitalization.

Is there a way to prevent Lyme disease in dogs?

One of the best ways to help prevent your dog from contracting Lyme disease is to keep your pet on a tick prevention medication year round, and speak to your vet about vaccinating your dog against Lyme. Also avoid walking through long grass or brushing against shrubs while on walks, and check your dog daily for ticks. 

Any time that your dog has been walking through areas where ticks may be lurking, it is a good idea to check your pet for ticks as soon as you get home. That said, removing ticks isn't as straight forward as you may think. If you spot a tick on your pup, contact your vet for instructions on how to safely remove the tick from your dog's skin.

We also recommend checking your own skin for ticks. Lyme disease is much more severe in humans than it is in dogs! Contact your doctor for advice on removing ticks if you discover that a tick has latched on to your skin.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.