The time of year is coming upon us when we will be spending more time outdoors, our dogs included. We may be exploring new places and hitting up some trails. Along with this bonding time with our dogs comes a hidden risk: ticks. Tick bites can cause several diseases in dogs, but this post will discuss one in particular: Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease in dogs is a very serious, and sometimes fatal, disease that can affect our pups if they are not protected.
Table of Contents:
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
Related: Best Puppy Flea Shampoo, Best Dog Flea Collar For Your Pup
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease, or Lyme borreliosis, is a disease caused by the bite of the deer tick. Through this bite a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi gets into and infects your dog. This usually happens within 24-48 hours.
Lyme Disease can cause serious health problems in your dog, so it is important to monitor your dog closely for symptoms.
Where Are Deer Ticks Commonly Found?
Deer ticks are commonly found in high grass areas, marshy areas near bodies of water, and forested areas. Common areas in the United States where deer ticks are found are in the Northeast, upper Midwest, and the Pacific.
It is important to check your dog for ticks on a regular basis, and especially if you have been to an area that is known to have ticks.
How Do I Check My Dog For Ticks?
According to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), there are specific areas ticks like to hide on your dog that are important for you to check. Among them:
- In and around the ears.
- Around the eyelids.
- Under their collar if they are wearing one.
- Under the front legs.
- Between the toes.
- Between their back legs.
- Around their tail.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Lyme Disease In Dogs?
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs include:
- Lethargy.
- Fever.
- Lameness. This can occur in one leg, but may also move to different legs, known as “shifting lameness”.
- Swelling of the joints, which can be painful.
- Loss of appetite.
What Are The Neurological Symptoms Of Lyme Disease In Dogs?
There have been cases of a tick bite causing neurological symptoms on some dogs with Lyme Disease. These symptoms include:
- Astasia. This is the inability to stand.
- Persistent Convulsions. This is when muscles contract involuntarily, leading to shaking of the body.
- Hyper-Reflexia. This is when muscles “overreact” and can manifest as spasms in the body.
How Quickly Does Lyme Disease Show In Dogs?
Dogs that have been bitten by an infected tick may begin to show signs and symptoms anywhere from 2 to 5 months after exposure.
How Do Vets Check For Lyme Disease In Dogs?
If your veterinarian thinks a diagnosis of Lyme Disease is possible based on your dog’s symptoms and exposure to ticks, a blood test can be done to determine if your dog has been exposed to the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease and likely has the condition.
How Much Does A Lyme Disease Test For Dogs Cost?
The cost of having your dog tested for Lyme Disease can vary greatly, depending on where you live.
You will have to pay for the blood work up of your dog, as well as, pay for the cost of the veterinary visit. This can run upwards of $200 USD.
If you live in an area where deer ticks are prevalent, there is a way to test the actual tick for Lyme Disease. Your dog will still need to be tested by your vet, especially if they exhibit symptoms, but you will know a lot sooner if the tick your dog was exposed to is carrying the Lyme bacteria.
Cutter Lyme Disease Tick Test Pet Kit
To use this kit to test your dog for Lyme Disease, you are actually testing the tick that bit your dog to see if they are carrying the disease.
- Remove the tick, place it in the included bag, and mail it in for testing.
- 99.9% accuracy.
- Kit includes:
- Specimen bag.
- Tick remover.
- Labels.
- Test submission form.
- Pre-addressed mailing label.
- Results within 3 days of receipt.
- Check Price At: Chewy, Amazon, Petco
What Happens If My Dog Tests Positive For Lyme Disease?
If your dog tests positive for Lyme Disease, they may need to be treated.
Some dogs may test positive but not have any symptoms. This can mean that your dog’s immune system is fighting things off on its own and your dog may or may not need treatment. This is something to discuss with your veterinarian, whether or not treatment will benefit your dog if they are not displaying symptoms or if their antibody count is low.
Other dogs may have signs and symptoms and will need to be treated. This is usually a course of antibiotics, primarily Doxycycline, that lasts at least 4 weeks. If your dog is experiencing joint pain, your veterinarian may prescribe them an anti-inflammatory as well.
Can Lyme Disease Be Cured In Dogs?
After your dog completes a course of antibiotics and they no longer have symptoms and their blood work is good, they may be considered to be cured.
However, for some dogs, this course of antibiotics is not enough and they exhibit lingering symptoms of Lyme Disease. It is important to discuss with your veterinarian any further treatment options.
Can Lyme Disease Cause Permanent Damage In Dogs?
It is possible for your dog to have chronic joint pain and stiffness due to Lyme Disease.
Is Lyme Disease Fatal To A Dog?
If your dog experiences chronic symptoms of Lyme Disease, their kidneys may become affected, leading to kidney failure, which can be fatal.
Is Lyme Disease Contagious From Dog To Human?
Lyme Disease cannot be passed on from a dog to a human. It cannot be passed on from one dog to another dog or animal. It can only affect a dog who has been bitten by an infected tick.
If you are with your dog in an area that is known to have deer ticks, or you have other animals that are out and about in prevalent areas, you may want to get all your animals tested, as well as, yourself.
How Can I Prevent My Dog From Getting Lyme Disease?
There are a few things you can do to decrease the risk of your dog contracting Lyme Disease.
- Keep your yard maintained. This includes mowing it on a regular basis and being sure shrubs where ticks can hide are removed.
- Avoid areas where ticks are known to hide: tall grass, shrubs, and marshy areas.
- Use tick prevention products. This can include a tick collar or tick prevention medication.
- Have your dog vaccinated against Lyme Disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the vaccine may not be right for all dogs, but if your veterinarian thinks your dog should be vaccinated, it is an initial vaccination followed by a booster 2-4 weeks later. Your dog will then need to get a booster each year.
- Speak to your veterinarian about which tick prevention method is best for your dog.
Lyme Disease in dogs can have serious consequences, especially if left untreated. If you live in an area where Lyme Disease is prevalent, it is important to be vigilant in checking your dog for ticks on a regular basis. Speak to your veterinarian about prevention methods that may be appropriate for your dog and the area in which you live. If your dog is exposed to Lyme Disease the earlier they get treated the better.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.