What is Lyme disease in dogs?
While Lyme disease has been diagnosed in dogs and people across the United States, rates of infection vary from one state to another. The highest number of cases of Lyme disease in dogs is reported in the Upper Midwest, Pacific Coast, and Northeast regions of the country.
If an infected tick bites a dog, the dog can contract Lyme disease. Ticks, including those carrying Lyme, often wait in grassy and wooded areas such as farm fields and forests.
Though ticks don't jump or fly, they find their prey by resting on the tips of shrubs, grasses, and leaves with their front legs outstretched and waiting for direct contact with animals or people. A tick often grabs an animal's fur and latches on as it brushes past.
Lyme disease can't be transmitted from one pet to another, or from pets to humans, except through tick bites. That said, a tick that's carrying the disease transmits the infection when it bites its next host (for example, you or your pet).
Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Dogs often carry Lyme disease without showing any signs or symptoms (asymptomatic). However, other dogs may experience a range of painful symptoms. Your dog may display one or more of these symptoms if it has contracted Lyme disease.
- Difficulty breathing
- Decreased appetite and depression
- Swollen, inflamed joints
- Sensitivity to touch
- High fever
- General lethargy or discomfort
- Stiffness
- Lameness
If you notice your dog suffering from the symptoms above, contact your vet to book an examination.
Left untreated, the effects of Lyme disease in dogs can be serious or even life-threatening. The condition may lead to serious heart problems, neurological issues, and kidney failure in your four-legged friend.
How Lyme Disease is Diagnosed in Dogs
If your veterinarian suspects your pet could be suffering from Lyme disease, they will review your dog's full medical history, ask about any instances when your dog may have come into contact with ticks, examine your pet's body for ticks, then perform several diagnostic tests which may include blood tests (C6 Test and Quant C6 tests), urine analysis, fecal exam, and X-rays. If painful joints are one of your pup's symptoms, your vet may draw fluid from the affected joints to be analyzed.
How do you treat dogs with Lyme disease?
A vet typically prescribes antibiotics to treat Lyme disease in dogs, with the typical course lasting about four weeks. Still, depending on the severity of the infection and the response to therapy, some dogs may require a longer duration of treatment.
In addition to antibiotics, veterinarians may recommend anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate joint pain and discomfort associated with Lyme disease. Rest and a stress-free environment are also critical during recovery to support the dog's immune system and overall well-being.
How can I treat my dog's Lyme disease at home?
While professional veterinary care is essential for the treatment of Lyme disease in dogs, there are several steps you can take at home to support your pet's recovery:
- Ensure your dog takes the entire course of antibiotics as the veterinarian prescribes. Do not stop the medication early, even if your dog feels better.
- Create a quiet and comfortable space for your dog to rest and recover. Minimize physical activity and avoid stressful situations that could hinder the healing process.
- Monitor your dog's symptoms and progress closely. Report any changes or concerns to your veterinarian promptly.
- Ensure your dog has a balanced diet to support its immune system and overall health. Consult your veterinarian for dietary recommendations that may aid in recovery.
- Implement a tick prevention plan to protect your dog from future tick bites. Regularly check your dog for ticks, especially after outdoor activities, and use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives as part of your parasite prevention regimen.
Can a dog recover from Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a serious condition that can affect both dogs and people. It is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, and can be transmitted when an infected tick bites an animal or person. While Lyme disease can become chronic in dogs, many recover with proper treatment.
Unfortunately, antibiotic treatment is not always 100% effective and is therefore not guaranteed to cure Lyme disease in dogs. Some dogs that are treated with antibiotics for months still show positive antibody levels in the future. Despite treatment, it is possible for the infection to hide in the body for years, which often leads to future health problems.
Early diagnosis and prompt intervention may make treatment more effective. With timely and appropriate care, the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs can be managed, significantly improving their health.
Preventing Lyme Disease in Dogs
One way to help prevent your dog from contracting Lyme disease is to keep your pup on a tick prevention medication year-round and speak to your vet about Lyme disease vaccinations.
When you get home, check your dog's skin if your pooch has been walking through areas where ticks may be hiding. Removing ticks as quickly as possible is important to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
That said, removing ticks isn't as straightforward as you may think. Contact your vet for instructions on properly removing ticks from your dog. Your vet may request that you keep the tick for testing.
Remember, Lyme disease is much more severe in humans than it is in dogs. If you walk in areas with long grass or shrubs, check your skin regularly for ticks. If you find one latched onto your skin, contact your doctor for advice on removing it. Lyme disease in humans can cause a host of painful chronic symptoms.
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.