Ticks and tick-borne diseases are common in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest and great lakes regions. Although the first-ever outbreak was documented in Lyme, Connecticut, the disease has now taken over many U.S. areas, as well as some European and Asian countries. Dogs are at high risk for contracting the bacteria that cause Lyme disease and could face serious illness as a result. The Oak Creek Veterinary Care team has compiled the most up-to-date Lyme disease information in our essential guide for pet owners.

What causes Lyme disease in dogs?

Lyme disease is caused by a tick-borne bacteria, called Borrelia burgdorferi, that infiltrate tissues and can cause Lyme disease. Two tick species in North America (i.e., deer ticks or black-legged ticks) can carry and transmit the bacteria to pets and people. Not all deer ticks carry Lyme disease, but as many as 50% of any given population may harbor Borrelia bacteria. Adult ticks and tick nymphs, which are barely large enough to detect with the naked eye, can also transmit the disease.

How do dogs contract Lyme disease?

Dogs contract the Lyme disease bacteria when an infected tick attaches and feeds for at least 24 to 48 hours. If you find and remove a tick before this time, Lyme bacteria cannot be transmitted to your dog. Dogs can pick up ticks nearly anywhere, most commonly forest preserves and other natural areas, but also their backyards, roadsides, and anywhere with dense, tall grass or brush. Deer tick populations are highest where rodents and deer are present.

What are Lyme disease signs in dogs?

The majority of dogs who are bitten by an infected tick and who contract the Lyme bacteria do not get sick—only 5% to 10% of infected dogs go on to develop Lyme disease. The disease can present as an acute illness a few weeks after a tick bite, or in a chronic form that occurs months or years after infection. Acute Lyme disease signs include:

  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Shifting/periodic lameness
  • Lethargy
  • Poor appetite

Some dogs have a mild or barely noticeable acute illness phase, so their owners don’t seek veterinary care. Some of these dogs will clear the infection on their own, while others will develop the chronic disease form, which can severely or fatally damage the kidneys. These pets often present in acute kidney failure.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed in dogs?

If our team suspects your dog’s illness is because of Lyme disease, we can perform a blood test that can detect disease antibodies or antigens in their pet’s blood. General blood and urine tests are also helpful to rule out other causes. Healthy dogs with high tick exposure should have their blood tested annually to ensure they do not have a subclinical infection that could progress and become severe. Most healthy pets who test positive for Lyme disease do not need treatment, but medication may be recommended after checking additional tests.

Is Lyme disease in dogs treatable?

Lyme disease responds well in most dogs after a long course—at least four weeks—of oral antibiotics. Some pets may need an additional treatment round to completely resolve their signs. Dogs who develop the chronic form are often left with serious kidney damage and may not recover.

How do I prevent my dog from contracting Lyme disease?

Preventing Lyme disease requires avoiding tick exposure and tick bites. The best tick-prevention strategies include:

  • Applying a monthly spot-on flea and tick prevention medication with residual and repellent activity—ask our team for recommendations
  • Staying in the middle of paved or mowed trails
  • Removing rodent and tick habitats from your yard—keep the grass cut short and remove leaf litter or wood piles wherever possible
  • Checking your dog for ticks before going inside after a walk or playing in the yard
  • Removing ticks immediately when you find them—ask our team to show you how
  • Asking about the Lyme disease vaccine for your dog
  • Applying and reapplying dog-safe insect repellent for additional protection

Ticks and tick-borne diseases will always be a health threat in our area. You can protect your dog from infections by following strict tick-control strategies and by scheduling routine checkups and tick disease screenings with our Oak Creek Veterinary Care team. Call us to schedule a visit for your pet, or if you have questions about Lyme disease risks or management.