Ticks carrying Lyme disease can transmit it to dogs, which can cause significant health issues and unpleasant symptoms for your furry friend. The best way to protect your dog from Lyme disease is to stay informed and prevent tick bites. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Lyme disease in dogs.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that infected ticks can transmit to humans and animals. The bacteria quickly enters a dog’s bloodstream and often localizes in the joints or kidneys of the recipient. Because of this, Lyme Disease in dogs can cause joint inflammation and kidney failure.
In the US, approximately 1.5-13% of dogs test positive for Lyme disease at some point. However, with early treatment, these pups generally live long and healthy lives. Since ticks are active in all seasons, we recommend using year-round tick prevention on your pup. If you live or travel in an area where this disease is prevalent, talk with your vet about getting Fido vaccinated against Lyme disease.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
The symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs can vary depending on the dog, the strength of their immune system, and how long they have been infected before receiving treatment. Some infected canines show clear signs of sickness, while others may not show any noticeable symptoms. You may notice symptoms 7-21 days after the dog was bitten; however, some dogs do not show symptoms for 2-5 months.
Below are the main symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs to watch for.
- Joint pain or swelling
- High fever
- Weakness/lethargy
- Decreased appetite and/or weight loss
- Vomiting
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Increased thirst and/or urination
- Swollen legs or belly
How is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?
If you suspect that your dog was bitten by a tick, take them to the veterinarian to be tested. Prior to conducting any tests, the vet will discuss your dog’s medical history, symptoms, and any recent travel or exposure. The primary method for diagnosing Lyme disease is through a blood test that identifies specific antibodies in your dog’s system, which would indicate the presence of Lyme disease.
These tests are often inaccurate in detecting early cases. False negatives are common in dogs who have not yet developed antibodies or have not produced enough to be detected by the test. Additionally, canines that have been infected for a long time might not have enough antibodies to still test positive. Experts recommend taking your dog to the vet between 4-10 weeks after a tick bite.
Treating Lyme Disease
Even if your dog does not show symptoms of Lyme Disease, early treatment is crucial. Dogs that receive early treatment for this disease usually avoid long-term health effects. The primary treatment for Lyme disease is antibiotics. Several forms of antibiotic medication are effective in fighting this bacterium, with the most commonly prescribed antibiotic being Doxycycline.
Administer the chosen treatment to your dog for a minimum of four weeks. An infected dog should show signs of improvement within 24-48 hours of receiving antibiotic treatment. Additionally, your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication to alleviate any swelling or discomfort as your pup recovers. In severe cases, dogs may require hospitalization and need to receive IV fluids and medication to improve their kidney health.
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. When hiking with your pup, avoid dense, wooded, or grassy areas where ticks like to hide. Keeping your home and yard tidy can also make them less appealing to ticks. Additionally, make sure to check your furry friend for ticks regularly. If you find a tick on your pet, remove it immediately.
There are many prescription and over-the-counter products available for tick prevention. These options include monthly topical medicine, oral treatments, and wearable items like flea and tick collars. These products kill ticks and prevent them from attaching to your dog. Consult your veterinarian to find the proper tick prevention method for your dog.
Lyme disease is becoming increasingly common, so knowing how to prevent and treat Lyme disease in dogs is more important now than ever. If you follow this guide, you will be well prepared to protect your canine companion from Lyme disease.
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