What is Lyme Disease in Dogs?
Lyme disease in dogs is a serious illness that can have adverse health effects, including inflammation/swelling of joints, fever, and even eventual kidney failure. Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne diseases that impacts dogs and is especially prevalent in areas with high tick populations. While common, Lyme disease symptoms do not present immediately, making prevention and early detection critical.
Here, we’ll look at Lyme disease in dogs a bit closer, shedding light on how dogs can get it, how it spreads its symptoms, and the best ways to treat and prevent it.
How Do Dogs Get Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an illness borne from the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is commonly transmitted to dogs through bites from certain species of ticks, with the disease passing via saliva that enters the bloodstream. Once infected, the disease can impact joints and key organs/areas, including the heart, brain, and spinal cord.
Dogs who reside in rural areas or actively participate in outdoor activities – like hiking or hunting – are at the greatest risk of contracting Lyme disease. While peak tick season is typically considered summer to fall, Lyme disease in dogs can be contracted year-round.
Lyme Disease Symptoms in Dogs
Lyme disease symptoms don’t appear right away in infected dogs, with symptoms developing weeks and, in some cases, even months after initial infection, which makes the disease difficult to identify. Generally, though, symptoms that may show include:
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy
- Lameness
- Joint pain or swelling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weight loss
Severe cases of Lyme disease can lead to complications, ranging from heart issues to kidney failure and even neurological challenges. With such wide-ranging symptoms present differently in every dog, routine veterinary check-ups that can lead to early detection and treatment are key.
How is Lyme Disease in Dogs Diagnosed?
Lyme disease in dogs is typically diagnosed through a patient’s medical history and observation of present symptoms.
A dog that may have been exposed to a tick bite and is then showing symptoms may be recommended for diagnostic testing, including a blood test like the SNAP 4Dx. The SNAP 4Dx test screens a patient’s blood for antibodies to various conditions, including Lyme disease, and can be used to confirm an exposure.
An additional diagnostic test, like the Lyme Quant C6, can quantify the level of antibodies presently in the bloodstream, which can help veterinarians thoroughly assess the severity of the Lyme disease infection.
Notably, a dog can test positive for exposure to Lyme disease but wind up never showing symptoms if their immune system controls the infection. Treatment for Lyme disease in dogs is only recommended for dogs with symptoms.
Lyme Disease Treatment for Dogs
Since it is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are the most prevalent treatment for Lyme disease in dogs. Typically, doxycycline is preferred and prescribed for several weeks; alternatives like amoxicillin or even azithromycin may be used for pets who can’t tolerate doxycycline.
In addition to antibiotics to target the infection, dogs may be given additional pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications to help with potential joint discomfort.
In severe cases, additional treatment may be needed to address specific issues, like kidney complications or damage to other organs/areas. Hospitalization and supportive care could also be required depending on the severity of the case.
Treatments are typically administered for several weeks, with additional diagnostic testing to confirm progress in the treatment approach. While issues resolve quickly in most dogs, there are some cases where the infection will persist, and there will be a need to stay on medication or a treatment course longer. It’s also possible that even after recovery, there could be lingering or chronic symptoms like joint pain that persist.
Lyme Disease Prevention for Dogs
Pet parents can take several measures to actively prevent Lyme disease in dogs, including tick prevention, vaccination, and safe tick removal.
Tick Prevention
Pet parents can actively practice Lyme disease prevention by safeguarding against the parasites most responsible for transmitting the disease: ticks. This preventative measure is super important, especially in the areas of the country where deer ticks are prevalent.
Pet parents in these wooded and grassy areas can closely monitor their dog’s time in these spaces, avoiding or minimizing time in these habitats to lower the transmission risk. Additionally, pet parents in these spaces can perform regular tick checks, especially after time in these outdoor spaces or activities like hiking or hunting.
Pet parents in these areas and nationally should consider using vet-approved tick preventatives, potentially including oral medications, topical medications, or tick collars. Some options pet parents can consider include:
Lyme Disease Vaccination for Dogs
Some dogs – especially those in high-risk areas – may benefit from the Lyme disease vaccination. This vaccination helps reduce the risk of developing Lyme disease and can prevent the most severe symptoms and complications, such as kidney damage.
Pet parents should talk with their veterinarian to determine if access to this vaccine is right for their dog or puppy.
Safe Tick Removal
Sometimes, it’s impossible to prevent every tick bite from happening. If it does occur, though, practicing safe tick removal can potentially mitigate the risk of Lyme disease. Pet parents can use fine-tipped tweezers to remove these parasites, avoiding twisting or crushing the head as this can increase the infection risk.
Keeping the bite area clean with antiseptic can also help lower the risk of infection.
When to See a Veterinarian
Pet parents concerned about Lyme disease in dogs should consult their veterinarian if:
- They are concerned that a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours and are worried about exposure, especially if the dog has not been on preventative medications or used another prevention method like a tick collar.
- If Lyme disease symptoms like fever, lameness, or lethargy present themselves.
- If a previously exposed dog continues to show signs of discomfort or illness, even after receiving treatment.
Final Thoughts About Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease in dogs can be scary for pet parents, especially given the disease’s ability to fly under the radar undetected. While worrisome, the conditions can be treatable with the correct diagnosis and antibiotics. Furthermore, preventative measures like vaccines, prevention medications, and specialty collars can help lower the overall risk, mainly when used in environments susceptible to tick activity during peak seasons (and year-round).
As with most conditions, pet parents should discuss Lyme disease with their veterinarian to find the best preventive measures and treatment options if needed.
