Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment
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Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a tick-borne disease that has long-lasting effects on animal health, especially in dogs. If left untreated, the disease can cause kidney failure and death. Pet owners must learn to recognize Lyme disease and protect their dogs from infections. We’ve outlined common Lyme disease symptoms in dogs, typical treatments, and protection tips.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that can affect both humans and animals. It’s commonly found in the Northeast but is also prevalent in the upper Midwest and Pacific coast.
Lyme disease in dogs is caused by the spirochete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It’s transmitted through an infected tick’s bite. The virus enters the bloodstream and affects internal organs and systems. Early symptoms include appetite loss, lameness, and nervous system issues. Lyme disease can cause serious health complications, including kidney failure and death, if left untreated.
Deer ticks—black-legged ticks, Ixodes scapularis—are the primary transmitters of Lyme disease and live in wooded areas of the Northeastern, North-central, and mid-Atlantic regions. Western black-legged ticks—Ixodes pacificus—are known to spread the disease on the West Coast. Although black-legged are the most common transmitters, other ticks can also carry Lyme disease.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
In pets, Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose since the common symptoms mimic other illnesses. Below is a list of clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs:
How is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?
Your vet will use two blood tests to check for Lyme disease, the C6 and Quantitative C6 (QC6). The C6 is an antibody test designed to detect the protein “C6,” which is unique to the Borrelia bacteria. These antibodies appear about four weeks after the initial tick bite. C6 antibodies may appear before the dog shows any physical signs of illness.
If the C6 test is positive, the vet will complete the QC6 test to determine antibody levels. Your dog will need antibiotic treatment if the antibody levels are high and physical symptoms present. If there are no signs of illness and the levels are low, antibiotics may not be necessary. Additional blood and urine tests may be conducted to test kidney function and signs of kidney disease.
How is Lyme Disease Treated?
Treatment options for Lyme disease include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Vets will prescribe doxycycline for a four-week antibiotic treatment. Hospitalization may be necessary in some cases. If caught early, most dogs make a full recovery. However, some dogs may experience long-term health problems even with treatment.
How Do Dogs and People Get Ticks on Them?
Ticks sit on the tips of grass, shrubs, and other plants. When a person or dog brushes against the vegetation, the tick crawls onto them. Ticks move fast, so it only takes a few seconds for them to crawl onto a host. By taking the preventive steps outlined below, you can avoid ticks from latching onto you or your dog.
How To Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs
Prevention is the best way to protect your dog from Lyme disease. This means using tick prevention products and performing regular tick checks. Here are some tips to keep your furry friend protected.
Our Conclusion
Lyme disease is a serious and potentially fatal illness affecting dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preventing the disease from progressing and causing serious health problems. Dog owners should take preventive measures to keep their pets protected. If your dog shows any signs of Lyme disease, take them to the vet immediately. If your dog is covered by pet insurance, it may help reduce some associated costs.
FAQ About Lyme Disease in Dogs
Can dogs usually recover from Lyme disease?
Dogs can recover from Lyme disease if detected early and treated. Symptoms can disappear in as little as three days. However, even after proper treatment, some dogs may remain positive for Lyme disease for the rest of their life.
How can I prevent my dog from getting Lyme disease?
You can prevent Lyme disease by avoiding areas prone to ticks, especially black-legged ticks. If you walk through grassy or wooded areas, check your dog for ticks and remove them immediately. Ask your vet if long-term solutions, such as tick medication and Lyme vaccines, are suitable for your dog.
What are the early signs of Lyme disease in dogs?
Early signs of Lyme disease include joint pain and swelling, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, lameness, and appetite loss.
Can humans catch Lyme disease from dogs?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Lyme disease is not transferable between humans and dogs. Unfortunately, infected ticks can be brought into the home by your dog.
