You’ve probably heard about people being diagnosed with Lyme disease — but can dogs get it too?
The short answer is yes. Dogs can develop Lyme disease after being bitten by an infected tick, and while many dogs never get sick, the illness can cause serious health issues when it does occur.
Here’s what every dog parent should know about Lyme disease in dogs, including symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It’s transmitted through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks (often called black-legged or deer ticks).
For transmission to occur, the tick typically needs to remain attached to a dog for 24 to 48 hours.
The good news? Most dogs exposed to Lyme disease never develop clinical illness. Their immune systems are often able to fight off the infection on their own.
One challenge with Lyme disease is that blood tests mainly detect exposure, not necessarily an active infection. This means many dogs test positive even though they’re healthy and never become sick.
Can Dogs Get Lyme Disease From Ticks?
Yes. Lyme disease is one of several infections dogs can contract from tick bites.
Tick-borne diseases vary by region, depending on climate, geography, and the types of ticks present. Some areas of the country have much higher Lyme disease risk than others.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
If a dog does develop Lyme disease, symptoms may appear weeks to months after the initial tick bite — and some dogs never show signs at all.
Common symptoms include:
- Mild fever
- Lethargy or decreased energy
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Joint swelling, stiffness, or discomfort
In rare cases, dogs can develop a severe kidney complication known as Lyme nephritis. This form of the disease can cause:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
How Lyme Disease in Dogs Is Treated
Lyme disease is typically treated with a longer course of antibiotics, most commonly doxycycline.
Dogs with mild to moderate symptoms often begin to feel better within just a few days, though antibiotics are usually continued for up to 28 days to fully address the infection.
Dogs that develop the rare kidney form of Lyme disease require aggressive and intensive treatment under veterinary supervision.
To prevent your dog from ever having a tick hang out on her in the first place, it’s a good idea to have a flea and tick prevention method set up.
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Preventing Lyme Disease in Dogs
The best way to protect your dog from Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites altogether.
Year-round flea and tick prevention greatly reduces the chance of a tick attaching long enough to transmit disease. Topical and oral options are available, and your veterinarian can help you choose the right one for your dog.
If you live in or travel to a high-risk area, routine tick checks after outdoor time are also important.
When to Call the Vet
If you find a tick on your dog — or notice symptoms like joint pain, lethargy, or fever — contact your veterinarian right away. Early treatment leads to the best outcomes.
With proper prevention and quick action, Lyme disease is often avoidable — and very manageable when caught early 🐾
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