Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention from Ticks
- Dr. Thea Madill
- May 1
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Can dogs get Lyme disease? The answer is yes — and it’s a growing concern, especially in regions like the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic. Whether your furry friend is a seasoned trailblazer or a backyard explorer, it’s important to understand how Lyme disease can affect them and how you can protect their health.
Paw Tip: Wondering when you should see our emergency vet? When in doubt, check it out! If your dog’s acting off or you’ve spotted a tick, swing by your local VEG ER for Pets. Our animal ER hospital is open 24/7, 365 days a year (including holidays).
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is one of the most common dog tick-borne diseases. It’s caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to dogs (and humans) through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also called a deer tick.
These ticks are often found in grassy or wooded areas, especially during warmer months, but in some regions, they pose a year-round threat.
How Do Dogs Get Lyme Disease?
When an infected black-legged or deer tick bites your dog, it takes about 24–48 hours for the bacteria to be transmitted. That’s why finding and removing ticks from dogs quickly is key. Still, preventing Lyme disease in dogs is the best way to avoid infection altogether.
Lyme Disease Symptoms in Dogs
Lyme disease can show up in a few different ways, and not always right away. Symptoms may be mild at first or take months to appear. Some dogs never show symptoms at all but still test positive and may develop complications down the line.
Common symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include:
Limping or shifting-leg lameness (your pup may look like they’re “walking on eggshells”)
Joint swelling or pain
Dog fever and lameness
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Swollen lymph nodes
In more chronic cases, Lyme disease can also affect the kidneys and nervous system, potentially leading to increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and sensitivity to touch — especially in the back legs.
Acute vs. Chronic Lyme Disease in Dogs
Acute symptoms of Lyme tend to show up shortly after infection and may include swelling at the bite site, fatigue, and joint swelling in dogs.
Chronic symptoms, on the other hand, can develop slowly over weeks or months. These long-term effects sometimes require ongoing treatment like medication or even physical therapy — and in rare cases, they can become life-threatening.
These longer-term symptoms often take weeks or even months to appear, typically showing up 2–5 months after infection. They may require ongoing treatment like medication or even physical therapy, and in rare cases, they can become life-threatening.
It’s worth noting that only about 5–10% of infected dogs show obvious signs of illness, so it’s possible for a dog to carry the disease without immediate symptoms. That’s why prevention and regular vet checkups are so important.
How to Protect Your Dog from Lyme Disease
The good news? Lyme disease in dogs is preventable.
1. Use year-round tick prevention for dogs.
Whether it’s a monthly chewable, a topical treatment, or a tick-repellent collar, consistently using the best tick repellents for dogs is essential to keep those pesky ticks away. Your vet can help you choose the right option based on your dog’s lifestyle and how much time they spend outdoors.
2. Get your dog vaccinated.
If you live in or visit areas where Lyme disease in dogs is common, your vet may recommend a Lyme vaccine in addition to monthly prevention. The vaccine is given as an initial series followed by annual boosters.
3. Check for ticks after outdoor time.
Do a quick once-over any time your dog’s been in tall grass, woods, or leaf-covered areas. Ticks like to hide in warm, moist spots — behind the ears, between toes, under collars — so be thorough.
4. Make your yard less inviting to ticks.
Trim back shrubs and tall grasses, keep the lawn tidy, and consider using pet-safe tick control treatments in your yard.
Do Indoor Dogs Need Protection from Lyme Disease?
Yes, even city dogs or mostly-indoor pets can be at risk if you live in an area where ticks are prevalent. A quick potty break in a backyard or local park is all it takes for a tick to hitch a ride. If your vet recommends protection, it’s because the risk is real — even for low-key dogs.
If you and your dog spend a lot of time hiking, camping, or otherwise enjoying the great outdoors together, tick protection is a must—for both of you. Beyond protecting your dog from illness, consistent Lyme prevention can help avoid the stress and expense of managing chronic symptoms. Vet visits, diagnostics, long-term medications, and physical therapy can add up fast, so prevention really is a win for everyone.
What to Do If You Find a Tick on Your Dog
If you spot a tick, don’t panic. You can usually remove it safely at home with the right technique. If you’re unsure or the tick is in a tricky spot, like near the eyes or ears, your vet can help with safe removal.Removing ticks from dogs:
Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool
Grasp the tick close to the skin
Pull upward steadily without twisting
Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water
Save the tick in a sealed container if your vet wants to identify it
For a detailed, step-by-step guide on safe tick removal and when to consult your vet, read What to Do if Your Dog Gets a Tick.
Lyme Disease Treatment for Dogs
If your dog tests positive for Lyme disease, your primary care vet will walk you through the next steps and will start a treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
Most dogs respond well to antibiotics for dogs, with doxycycline being the most commonly prescribed medication. Treatment typically lasts several weeks, and many dogs start to feel better within just a few days. Still, it’s important to complete the full course to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
For dogs experiencing more severe symptoms, like joint inflammation, kidney issues, or neurological changes, bring your pet to any VEG emergency animal hospital. We may recommend additional therapies, such as pain relief, IV fluids, or supportive care.
In some chronic cases, dogs may need ongoing treatment or follow-up care. But early intervention gives them the best chance for a full recovery, and that’s where VEG comes in. With locations across the country, we’ll help you get answers, fast.
How Long Does Lyme Disease Last in Dogs?
How long Lyme disease sticks around really depends on how quickly you catch it and whether your dog gets treated.
With TreatmentIf you start antibiotics for dogs soon after diagnosis, your pup may start to feel better within just a few days. Treatment typically lasts around four weeks, and it’s super important to finish all the medication to completely clear the infection. Some symptoms like joint stiffness or limping might linger a bit longer, but with proper care, most dogs recover well.
Without treatment, Lyme disease in dogs can last for months or even years. The infection can cause ongoing joint pain, recurring lameness, and more serious issues like kidney damage. Symptoms may come and go, often triggered by stress or other illnesses, making Lyme disease a long-term problem if left unchecked.
Can Dogs Recover from Lyme Disease Without Treatment?
Sometimes dogs don’t show any symptoms and might seem to recover on their own. However, just because they look healthy doesn’t mean the infection isn’t causing damage beneath the surface.
The Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria responsible for Lyme disease can quietly affect your dog’s joints and kidneys over time, leading to chronic pain or serious health problems later on. Because of this hidden risk, it’s generally not recommended to skip treatment.
In most cases, the safest bet is to come to any VEG animal clinic to treat Lyme disease with a full course of antibiotics so you can be confident the infection is fully cleared. If you suspect your dog might have Lyme disease, a quick visit to the vet is always a smart move.
What About Home Remedies for Lyme Disease in Dogs?
We get it — you want to do everything you can to help your dog feel better. But Lyme disease in dogs is not something to treat with home remedies alone.
While things like joint supplements or healthy diet changes may support your dog’s recovery, antibiotics for dogs are essential to clear the infection. Without them, the disease can linger and cause serious complications.
Call VEG ER for Pets if You Suspect Your Dog Contracted Lyme Disease
Worried your dog might have Lyme disease? Don’t wait. Whether you’ve spotted a tick, noticed symptoms, or just have questions, it’s always better to get things checked out early. The sooner you seek care, the better your dog’s chances for a smooth recovery.
