Canine Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that affects dogs across many parts of the world, including India. But in India, this disease is rare. It often develops quietly, with early signs that can be easy to miss. Some dogs may show only mild stiffness or fever at first, while others can develop more serious complications if the infection spreads.
Lyme disease in dogs is important to recognize because timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term joint, kidney, and nervous system problems. Understanding what canine Lyme disease is, how it spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and how it is treated can help protect your dog’s health.
What is Lyme Disease in Dogs?
Lyme disease in dogs is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. This condition is also known as borreliosis in dogs or canine borreliosis. The bacteria are transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected ticks, most commonly hard ticks belonging to the Ixodes species.
Once inside the body, the bacteria traveling through the bloodstream will affect mainly the joints. Kidneys, heart, and nervous system can also be impacted. Not all dogs that are exposed will show symptoms, but those that do can become seriously ill if left untreated.
Signs & Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
The symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs can appear weeks or even months after a tick bite. This delay often makes the illness difficult to detect early.
Common Lyme disease symptoms in dogs include:
- Fever and general tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Shifting leg lameness (limping that moves from one leg to another)
- Joint pain and stiffness, especially after rest
- Reluctance to move or exercise
- Sensitivity when touched around the joints
In some dogs, symptoms can become more serious, such as:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased thirst and urination (linked to kidney involvement)
- Weight loss
- Depression or reduced activity
The symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs vary widely. Some dogs show obvious pain, while others only show subtle changes in behavior.
Consult a dog vet if your pet shows Lyme disease symptoms. Book an appointment
How Does Lyme Disease Spread?
Lyme disease spreads through the bite of an infected tick. The tick must usually remain attached to the dog for 24–48 hours before the bacteria are transmitted.
Ticks become infected when they feed on wildlife such as rodents or birds that carry the bacteria. When these infected ticks later bite a dog, the bacteria can pass into the dog’s bloodstream.
Important points about transmission:
- Transmission of Lyme disease doesn’t happen through casual dog-to-dog contact.
- Dogs do not spread Lyme disease directly to humans.
- The disease spreads only through tick bites.
Dogs living in grassy areas, on farms, in parks, or in places with dense vegetation are more exposed. In India, tick activity is higher in warm, humid regions and during the monsoon and post-monsoon months. In these regions, you will also see other tick borne diseases like Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, etc.
Diagnosing Lyme Disease in Dogs
Diagnosing canine Lyme disease can be challenging because its symptoms overlap with those of other conditions, such as arthritis, viral infections, and other tick-borne diseases.
Veterinarians may use:
- A physical examination
- Blood tests to detect antibodies against the Borrelia bacteria
- Urine tests to check kidney function
- Additional tests if joint or neurological signs are present
A positive blood test alone does not always mean the dog is sick. It only shows exposure. Diagnosis is based on test results, symptoms, and medical history.
Properly diagnosing Lyme disease in dogs starts with our dog diagnostics
Canine Lyme Disease Treatment
Treatment for canine Lyme disease focuses on eliminating the bacteria and relieving symptoms.
The main treatment includes:
- Antibiotics, usually given for 3–4 weeks.
- Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication for joint pain.
- Supportive care, such as fluids or kidney support, is provided if complications are present.
Most dogs improve within a few days of starting antibiotics. However, some dogs may need longer monitoring if their kidneys are affected.
Early treatment leads to a better outcome and reduces the risk of chronic joint or kidney disease.
Suggested Read: Antibiotic Resistant Bacterial Infection in Dogs
Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Prevention is the most effective way to protect dogs from Lyme disease.
Key prevention steps include:
- Regular use of tick control products (spot-ons, anti-tick/ flea tablets, flea/tick prevention shampoos, or tick collars)
- Daily tick checks after walks or outdoor play
- Keeping grass and bushes trimmed around the home
- Avoiding tick-infested areas when possible
Regular grooming can help with Lyme disease prevention; visit our pet grooming.
Lyme Disease Can Be Hard to Diagnose Early
Lyme disease is often called a “silent” illness in dogs because early signs may be mild or absent. Some dogs show no symptoms at all despite being infected.
The disease may only become obvious when:
- Lameness develops
- Fever occurs
- Kidney problems appear
This delayed presentation makes routine health checks and early testing important, especially for dogs with known tick exposure.
How Can I Protect My Dog Against Lyme Disease?
Dog parents can reduce risk by combining prevention methods:
- Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention year-round
- Check ears, neck, paws, and under the collar for ticks
- Bathe and groom dogs regularly
- Consult a vet about vaccination if ticks are common in your area
Maintaining overall health also helps dogs fight infections more effectively.
Get expert guidance on Lyme prevention from our dog doctor.
How Do You Know If Your Dog Has A Tick Bite?
A tick bite may appear as:
- A small raised bump
- Redness or swelling at the site of the bite
- A visible tick attached to the skin
Common areas where ticks hide include:
- Ears
- Neck
- Between toes
- Groin and underarms
If you find a tick, remove it carefully using tweezers and clean the area. Watch your dog for signs of illness over the next few weeks. It is always advisable to brush your dog regularly so that tick bites (lumps, bumps) or other skin issues don’t go unnoticed due to the fur.
Suggested Read: Understanding Dog Breed Groups
FAQs: About Canine Lyme Disease
What are the first signs of Lyme disease in dogs?
The first signs of Lyme disease in dogs often include fever, tiredness, reduced appetite, and limping due to joint pain. Some dogs show swollen lymph nodes or stiffness after resting.
Is canine Lyme disease curable?
Yes, most cases of canine Lyme disease are treatable with antibiotics when caught early. Some dogs may continue to show joint sensitivity, but serious complications are less likely with prompt care.
What are the first symptoms of Lyme disease?
Early symptoms include mild fever, lethargy, joint pain, and reduced activity. These symptoms may come and go.
What is the life expectancy of a dog with Lyme disease?
With proper treatment, most dogs live a normal life span. Dogs that develop kidney disease may need long-term management and monitoring.
Can dogs get Lyme disease without a tick bite?
No. Lyme disease is transmitted only through infected tick bites. It does not spread through food, water, or contact with other dogs.
References:
Picado R, Jota Baptista C, Meneses A, Legatti S, Fonseca J, Belas A. Lyme disease in companion animals: an updated state-of-art and current situation in Portugal. Vet Res Commun. 2024;48(6):3551-3561. doi:10.1007/s11259-024-10532-8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39259416/
Merck Veterinary Manual. (2024). Lyme disease in dogs. https://www.merckvetmanual.com
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Lyme disease transmission. https://www.cdc.gov/Lyme
