Dog Lyme Disease Prevention and Treatment

Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi affects dogs in tick-endemic areas, causing joint pain and occasionally severe systemic illness requiring antibiotic treatment.

Key Facts

Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes ticks, primarily I. scapularis in the US and I. ricinus in Europe
Only approximately 5-10% of infected dogs develop clinical signs of Lyme disease
Common signs include fever, lameness, lethargy, and lymph node swelling
Lyme nephritis is a severe and often fatal form causing kidney failure in susceptible breeds
Doxycycline for 4 weeks is the primary treatment and usually provides rapid improvement

Welfare Considerations

Dogs developing clinical Lyme disease experience fever, joint pain, and generalised malaise. Lyme nephritis causes acute kidney failure that is rapidly fatal and represents severe suffering. The joint pain of Lyme arthritis significantly impairs mobility and quality of life. Effective prevention through tick control and Lyme vaccination in endemic areas is highly welfare-positive. Prompt treatment of confirmed cases with doxycycline provides rapid and dramatic clinical improvement.

What You Can Do

Use effective tick prevention products consistently in Lyme-endemic areas
Consider Lyme disease vaccination for dogs in high-risk areas after discussing with your vet
Check dogs for ticks after walks and remove attached ticks within 24 hours
Seek veterinary assessment for dogs showing fever or lameness after tick exposure
Monitor for signs of kidney disease including increased thirst if Lyme disease is diagnosed