Lyme Disease in Dogs: Preventing & Treating Canine Lyme Disease

Lyme disease in dogs is a bacterial disease transmitted by ticks. Although it can usually be easily treated in the early stages, Lyme disease often goes undetected until later on, when complications can be more serious. Prevention and early detection are key, so read on to learn how to protect your dog from Lyme disease, what signs to look out for, and when to seek advice from your vet.

What is Lyme Disease in Dogs?

Lyme disease in dogs is a disease caused by a type of bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. You might also hear it referred to as canine Lyme disease or canine borreliosis. The bacteria are transmitted to dogs through the bites of infected ticks, most commonly the black-legged tick. These ticks, also known as deer ticks, can be found all over the US, but are most often found in the eastern and Midwest regions.

Lyme disease in dogs tends to affect the joints, kidneys and nervous system. Complications can include kidney disease, kidney failure, arthritis, chronic pain, and cardiac issues. For that reason, preventative measures and early diagnosis are essential.

Signs & Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include:

• Joint pain, swelling and stiffness 
• Lameness that may come and go, or shift from one leg to another 
• Limping or an unusual gait (walking pattern) 
• Swollen lymph nodes (glands) 
• Loss of appetite
• Fever 
• Reduced activity

If Lyme disease spreads to the kidneys, it can cause a type of kidney disease called Lyme nephritis. Signs include:

• Increased thirst and urination 
• Lethargy and fatigue 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Weight loss 
• Edema (fluid retention and swelling in the legs or abdomen)

If it spreads to the nervous system, Lyme disease in dogs can also cause:

• Facial paralysis 
• Limb tremors 
• Seizures

According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, only 5-10% of infected dogs will show any clinical signs of canine Lyme disease. They add that these signs can take at least two months to develop, by which time the bacteria has often spread throughout the body. 

The earlier Lyme disease is diagnosed and treated, the better chance you have of avoiding or reducing complications for your canine friend. If you spot any troubling signs or symptoms in your dog, always see your vet as soon as possible.

Diagnosing Lyme Disease in Dogs

Your vet will begin by asking about your dog’s symptoms and performing a physical examination. Lots of common illnesses share the same symptoms and signs of canine Lyme disease, so they’ll also perform certain tests to confirm the diagnosis.

The most common test for canine Lyme disease is an antibody test. Antibodies are specialized proteins created by the immune system to attack a specific pathogen, like bacteria. A positive test tells your vet that your dog has recently encountered the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.

An antibody test can sometimes show a false negative for various reasons. For example, if the infection is very recent, your dog might not have created antibodies yet. To be sure, your vet might perform additional blood tests and other tests.

Canine Lyme Disease Treatment

Lyme disease in dogs is most often treated with an antibiotic called doxycycline. Your vet will usually recommend antibiotic treatment for at least four weeks. Even if your dog’s symptoms seem to improve during this time, it’s important to finish the full course of antibiotics to prevent the infection from coming back.

Alongside antibiotics, your vet might prescribe additional treatments to help manage symptoms and complications of canine Lyme disease. For example, they may offer pain medication and steroids to help manage inflammation and joint pain.

Unfortunately, if the disease has become chronic, antibiotics may not successfully treat Lyme disease in dogs. They may have recurring infections and long-term complications like arthritis and kidney disease, which will need to be managed for the rest of their lives. In this case, your vet will be able to advise you on how to manage your dog’s condition and make them more comfortable.

Lyme Disease Prevention in Dogs

Lyme disease can be hard to diagnose early on, and the potential complications can be severe. For that reason, we strongly recommend discussing Lyme disease vaccination with your vet, especially if you live in a high-risk area. The vaccine is initially given in two doses, two to four weeks apart, and then given annually to maintain your dog’s immunity.

You can also protect your dog with a flea and tick preventative like EFFIPRO™ Topical Spray. Suitable for dogs aged eight weeks and older, the solution is applied to your dog’s skin every four weeks to prevent tick bites and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.

The following advice can also help to reduce the risk of anaplasmosis in dogs:

• Walk your dog on designated trails and avoid wooded areas, tall grass, or thick underbrush, as ticks are more common here. 
• Keep your yard clear of leaf piles, cut the grass regularly, and trim back any dense areas of vegetation. 
• Check your dog’s skin regularly, especially after spending time in grassy, wooded or sandy areas. (Check your skin, too!)
• Remove any ticks promptly with tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and firmly pull it straight out, then check that the tick is intact. 
• Avoid skin contact with the tick or its blood, as they can also transmit Lyme disease to humans. Wear gloves if possible, and use tissue to crush the tick.
• If part of the tick is left under the skin, don’t try to force it out; clean the area with a pet-safe antiseptic twice a day and monitor carefully. If you can’t remove the tick or the bite shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, discharge), ask your vet for advice.

Protect Your Dog Today!

Lyme disease can have potentially devastating consequences for your dog’s health. In addition to annual vaccination, EFFIPRO™ Topical Spray is a simple and effective way to protect your dog from Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. If you do see symptoms of Lyme disease in your dog, remember that early diagnosis and treatment is key to a positive outcome, so be sure to see your vet right away.