Companion Animals

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Welfare, Prevention and Management

Canine Lyme disease causes significant welfare impacts including joint pain, lethargy, and kidney disease if not detected and treated early.

Key Facts

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted by Ixodes ticks
Clinical signs include lameness, swollen joints, fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite
Lyme nephritis is a severe, often fatal complication affecting the kidneys
Vaccination combined with tick prevention provides strong protection for at-risk dogs
Early antibiotic treatment resolves most cases but some dogs develop chronic lameness

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with Lyme disease experience significant welfare impacts including acute joint pain causing visible lameness, fever, and lethargy. Lyme nephritis causes severe suffering and rapid deterioration. Early detection through regular testing in endemic areas enables prompt treatment that substantially reduces the duration and severity of welfare impacts. Prevention through vaccination and tick control is the most effective welfare protection strategy.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate dogs against Lyme disease if you live in or visit endemic areas
Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products year-round in risk areas
Check dogs thoroughly for ticks after outdoor activities and remove promptly
Test dogs annually for Lyme disease in tick-endemic regions
Seek veterinary attention promptly if lameness or lethargy develops after tick exposure