Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Lyme Disease Prevention

Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection causing joint pain, fever and systemic illness in dogs. Prevention through tick control and vaccination reduces this growing welfare threat.

Key Facts

Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes ticks carrying Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria
UK tick populations are expanding their range and season due to climate change
Dogs can be infected without showing obvious signs, making early diagnosis challenging
Joint pain, lethargy and fever are the most common clinical presentations in dogs
Annual vaccination is available in the UK for dogs at high risk in endemic areas

Welfare Considerations

Lyme disease causes significant chronic suffering in affected dogs and is frequently underdiagnosed. Prevention through tick control and vaccination is more effective than treatment of established infection.

What You Can Do

Check dogs thoroughly for ticks after walks in grassland, woodland and heathland
Use veterinary-prescribed tick prevention products appropriate for the level of tick exposure
Discuss Lyme disease vaccination with your vet if you live or walk in endemic areas