Lyme disease is a serious tick-borne illness that affects dogs, humans, and other animals. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks.
The disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in dogs, especially in regions with high tick populations. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), thousands of cases are reported annually, with higher numbers during the spring and summer.
Yet many pet owners remain unaware of the risks and symptoms until the disease has significantly progressed. They only learn about the issue when they visit a good enough pet grooming salon in Abu Dhabi.
This guide will take you through the symptoms and causes of this disease and discover how it is often diagnosed. We will close our discussion by mentioning treatment options and prevention strategies.
Let’s begin.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease can show a wide range of symptoms, and in some cases, dogs may show no signs at all.
The most common symptom is recurrent lameness due to inflammation in the joints. This lameness can shift from one leg to another and may last for days or weeks. Dogs often feel pain when walking or standing and may become less active or reluctant to move.
Another major symptom is fever, typically ranging between 103°F to 105°F. Dogs with Lyme disease may also display signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes.
In rare but serious cases, Lyme disease can lead to Lyme nephritis, a potentially fatal condition involving kidney inflammation and failure. This complication is common in certain breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.
Causes of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Black-legged ticks become infected by feeding on small mammals like mice and birds, which serve as natural reservoirs for the bacteria. These ticks can then attach to dogs and cause Lyme disease.
Once an infected tick attaches to a dog, it usually takes 24 to 48 hours of feeding for the bacterium to be transmitted into the dog’s bloodstream. This delay offers an opportunity for tick removal before transmission occurs.
However, due to the lack of grooming and the small size of these ticks, especially in their nymph stage, many bites go unnoticed.
Environmental factors play a significant role in exposure risk. Dogs living in or frequently visiting wooded, grassy, or rural areas are at higher risk of tick bites.
Diagnosis of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Diagnosing Lyme disease in dogs involves a combination of clinical evaluation, history of tick exposure, and diagnostic testing.
- Physical Exam: Veterinarians assess for symptoms such as lameness, fever, and joint swelling. A history of travel to or residence in tick-endemic areas adds to the clinical suspicion.
- Blood Tests: The most common screening test is the C6 peptide ELISA (commonly included in SNAP 4Dx tests), which detects antibodies. This test can detect exposure within 3 to 5 weeks post-infection.
- Additional Tests: Complete blood counts (CBC), serum chemistry profiles, and urinalysis may be performed to evaluate organ function, especially kidney health. PCR tests may be used in specialized cases but are less commonly relied upon due to variability in results.
Treatment of Lyme Disease in Dogs
| Treatment | Dose & Route | Benefits | Possible Side Effects |
| DoxyVet® (Doxycycline) | 10 mg/kg orally every 12–24 hours for 28–30 days | First-line antibiotic; highly effective against B. burgdorferi | GI upset (vomiting, diarrhea), loss of appetite |
| Clavamox® (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid) | 20 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 28–30 days | Alternative to doxycycline, often used in younger or sensitive dogs | Mild GI irritation, hypersensitivity |
| Carprieve® / Rimadyl® (Carprofen) | 2–4 mg/kg orally once daily or split into two doses | Reduces joint pain and inflammation during acute lameness | GI ulcers, liver enzyme elevation, lethargy |
| Vetivex® IV Fluids | Administered intravenously as prescribed, especially in nephritis cases | Supports kidney function, helps manage dehydration | Rare risk of fluid overload or vein irritation |
| Pro-Kolin® (Probiotics) | 1–2 ml per 10 kg orally, twice daily during antibiotic therapy | Restores gut flora, reduces GI upset from antibiotics | Generally safe; very rare side effects |
Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Preventing Lyme disease involves a multi-pronged approach centered on tick control. Using veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives such as topical treatments, oral medications, or tick collars is essential.
Regular tick checks are also important, especially after outdoor activities. Pay close attention to the ears, neck, groin, and between the toes, where ticks often hide.
If you spot any ticks, prompt tick removal with tweezers or a tick removal tool can prevent disease transmission if done within 24 hours.
Vaccination is available and recommended for dogs at high risk of exposure. However, it should be used as part of a broader prevention plan and not as a replacement for tick control.
Consult your veterinarian to determine whether the Lyme vaccine is appropriate for your dog.
Can Humans Get Lyme Disease from Dogs?
While dogs and humans can contract Lyme disease, it is not directly contagious between species. You cannot get Lyme disease by petting or being near an infected dog.
However, dogs can carry infected ticks into the home or yard, indirectly increasing the risk of human exposure.
To protect yourself, regularly check your pets for ticks and use veterinarian-approved preventatives. Keeping yards trimmed and avoiding tall grasses or wooded trails during tick season can further reduce risk.
If a tick is found on your dog, there’s a chance it could have been transferred to you as well. So, always check yourself after removing ticks from pets.
Practicing good hygiene and tick control habits protects both pets and people.
Conclusion
Lyme disease in dogs is a growing concern, especially in tick-endemic regions. Recognizing the early symptoms, understanding how the disease spreads, and seeking timely veterinary care is critical for managing the condition effectively.
Through preventive care and regular vet visits, pet owners can significantly reduce the risk of infection. While your dog can’t pass the disease directly to you, shared environments and exposure mean the responsibility falls on you to be vigilant.
Staying informed is the first step in protecting your pets and family from Lyme disease.
Get Instant Diagnosis and Treatment at Crazy Pets
Crazy Pets is the leading pet grooming salon in Abu Dhabi, offering expert solutions for Lyme disease. Our professionals have years of experience with tick removal and understanding and treating the symptoms of this serious disease.
Bring your dog to us or call our mobile grooming services in Abu Dhabi to get a satisfactory vet experience before it’s too late. The sooner you deal with this issue, the better it is for your dog. So what are you waiting for? Book an appointment today.
