Lyme disease in dogs is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses affecting dogs across the United States. This bacterial infection can cause serious health problems if left untreated, but with proper knowledge and quick action, your furry friend can make a full recovery.
At Guardian Veterinary Emergency, we see many cases of Lyme disease throughout the year. We want to help you recognize the signs early and understand your treatment options.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which spreads through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (also called deer ticks). These tiny parasites must be attached to your dog for 24-48 hours before they can transmit the bacteria. Not all ticks carry the bacteria, but in endemic areas, infection rates can be quite high.
6 Signs of Lyme Disease We Watch Out For at Guardian
- Fever and lethargy – Your dog may seem unusually tired and run a temperature of 103-105°F. This is often one of the first signs we notice.
- Loss of appetite – Dogs with Lyme disease frequently refuse food or eat much less than normal. Weight loss may follow if the condition persists.
- Swollen lymph nodes – You might feel enlarged lymph nodes under your dog’s jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees. These feel like firm, moveable lumps under the skin.
- Shifting lameness – This is a hallmark sign where your dog limps on one leg, then seems better, only to start limping on a different leg days later. The lameness may come and go unpredictably.
- Joint swelling and stiffness – Affected joints may appear swollen and feel warm to the touch. Your dog may have difficulty getting up or moving around normally.
- Kidney problems – In advanced cases, we may see increased drinking and urination, vomiting, or loss of appetite due to kidney damage. This is a serious complication that requires emergency treatment.
How is Lyme Disease Diagnosed at Guardian
The importance of proper diagnosis cannot be overstated when dealing with Lyme disease. Many symptoms overlap with other conditions, making it essential to run specific tests to confirm the presence of the bacteria. Early and accurate diagnosis leads to more effective treatment and prevents the disease from progressing to serious complications like kidney damage. At Guardian Veterinary Emergency, we use multiple diagnostic tools to ensure we catch this disease quickly and start treatment right away.
What happens during the diagnostic procedure at guardian?
- Complete physical examination – We’ll check your dog from nose to tail, feeling for swollen lymph nodes, examining joints for swelling, and taking your pet’s temperature. This helps us identify specific areas of concern.
- Blood sample collection – We draw a small blood sample to run several different tests. This is typically done from a vein in the front leg and causes minimal discomfort.
- Complete blood count and chemistry panel – These tests help us evaluate your dog’s overall health and check for signs of kidney involvement or other complications. Results help guide our treatment plan.
- Urinalysis – We examine your dog’s urine to check kidney function, as Lyme disease can sometimes cause serious kidney problems. This test helps us determine the severity of the infection.
- Additional specialized testing if needed – In some cases, we may recommend more specific tests like the Western blot or PCR testing to confirm the diagnosis or monitor treatment progress.
How is Lyme Disease Treated at Guardian
Antibiotic Therapy
We typically prescribe a 30-day course of an antibiotic, though some cases may require longer treatment depending on the severity of symptoms. Antibiotics work by stopping the bacteria from reproducing, allowing your dog’s immune system to clear the infection. Most dogs show significant improvement within the first few days of starting treatment, with energy levels and appetite returning to normal.
Pain and Anti-Inflammatory Management
Many dogs with Lyme disease experience joint pain and stiffness that can make movement uncomfortable. We often prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief while the antibiotics work. These medications help your dog feel more comfortable and maintain mobility during recovery. We carefully monitor dogs receiving NSAIDs to ensure they don’t cause stomach upset or other side effects.
Supportive Care and Monitoring
Beyond medication, we provide comprehensive supportive care to help your dog recover more quickly and comfortably. This may include dietary recommendations, activity restrictions, and regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress. For dogs with kidney involvement, we may recommend special diets and more frequent blood work to track kidney function. Our team works closely with you to ensure your pet receives the best possible care throughout the treatment process.
Prevention Strategies and Tick Control at Guardian
- Use year-round tick prevention products – We recommend FDA-approved tick preventatives like oral medications and topical treatments. These products kill ticks before they can transmit disease-causing bacteria.
- Perform daily tick checks – Examine your dog thoroughly after outdoor activities, paying special attention to areas where ticks like to hide, such as between toes, around ears, and under the tail. Remove any ticks immediately using fine-tipped tweezers.
- Maintain your yard and outdoor spaces – Keep grass short, remove leaf litter, and create barriers between wooded areas and your lawn. Consider treating your yard with pet-safe tick control products during peak tick season.
- Avoid high-risk areas during peak tick season – Limit walks in heavily wooded areas, tall grass, and brush during spring and fall when ticks are most active. Stick to cleared trails and open areas when possible.
- Consider Lyme disease vaccination – Talk to us about whether the Lyme vaccine is right for your dog based on your location and lifestyle. This vaccine can provide additional protection in high-risk areas.
- Schedule regular wellness exams – Bring your dog in for routine checkups so we can monitor for early signs of tick-borne diseases. Early detection makes treatment much more effective and prevents serious complications.
Conclusion
Lyme disease is a serious but highly treatable condition when caught early. The key to protecting your dog lies in prevention, early recognition of symptoms, and prompt veterinary care. With proper treatment, most dogs make a complete recovery and return to their normal, active lives.
Don’t wait if you suspect your dog may have been exposed to ticks or is showing signs of illness. Schedule an appointment with Guardian Veterinary Emergency today for expert diagnosis and treatment. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more helpful pet health tips and updates from our veterinary team.
