What do you find in the article?
- What is canine Lyme disease?
- Lyme disease in the dog: what is it called?
- How does Lyme disease infection occur in dogs?
- Dog tick = Lyme disease?
- Symptoms of Lyme disease in a dog
- Diagnosis of Lyme disease in a dog
- Lyme disease test in a dog
- Is Lyme disease in a dog contagious?
- Lyme disease in a dog – is it curable?
- Treatment of Lyme disease in the dog
- Lyme disease in the dog: prognosis
- How to protect your dog from Lyme disease?
What is canine Lyme disease?
Canine Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia, transmitted by Ixodes ticks. Also called Lyme disease, it is one of the most commonly diagnosed infectious diseases in dogs, affecting not only pets, but also humans. The bacteria, once it enters a dog’s body, spreads, causing inflammation in various organs and systems.
Although Lyme disease is mostly known from forest and rural areas, where ticks are more common, it happens that urban dogs also contract the disease. This is why every dog owner should know the symptoms of Lyme disease and how to act when they suspect their dog may be infected.
Lyme disease in the dog: what is it called?
Lyme diseasein the dog, also often referred to as Lyme disease, is a term that gets its start from the town of Lyme, Connecticut, in the United States. It was there, in the 1970s, that the disease was first identified in humans. In veterinary medicine circles, Lyme disease is often referred to as “canine Lyme disease” or “borreliosis canis,” which translated means Lyme disease in the dog.
The nomenclature “Lyme disease” is widely used around the world, and the name itself has gained recognition due to the wide range of symptoms and health effects it can cause. Still, while the name of the disease is widely known, Lyme disease itself is often underdiagnosed or overlooked, and its true health effects on both humans and dogs are often underestimated.
However, it is important for dog owners to be aware of the disease, its symptoms and the potential effects on the health of their four-legged friends. While the name may sound complicated, understanding what Lyme disease is in a dog is crucial to maintaining their health and well-being.
How does Lyme disease infection occur in dogs?
Lyme disease infection in dogs occurs through the bite of a tick of the genus Ixodes, which carries the Borrelia bacteria. When a tick bites a dog, it can transmit the bacteria into the animal’s bloodstream. It is worth noting that transmission of the bacteria does not occur immediately – usually the tick must be attached to the dog’s skin for about 24-48 hours for infection to occur.
These ticks are particularly active during the warm months, from spring to autumn. However, in warm regions, they can be active year-round, increasing the risk of Lyme disease infection.
Dog tick = Lyme disease?
Although a tick bite can lead to Lyme disease in a dog, not every dog bitten will get sick. As mentioned above, the tick must be attached to the dog for a certain period of time for infection to occur. Moreover, not all ticks carry the Borrelia bacteria.
Nevertheless, any encounter with a tick poses a risk. Therefore, it is important to regularly check your dog for ticks, especially after walks in areas where these parasites are common.

Symptoms of Lyme disease in a dog
The symptoms of Lyme disease in a dog can vary and depend on the severity of the disease. In the initial stage of infection, a dog may not show any symptoms, making it difficult to detect the disease early.
However, as the infection progresses, the first signs of the disease may appear. A dog with Lyme disease may have a fever, be lethargic, less active and may experience appetite problems. In addition, the dog may have trouble moving, which is due to arthritis – one of the most common symptoms of Lyme disease. Swollen, painful joints can result in reluctance to move, stiffness or even lameness.
In the later stages of Lyme disease in a dog, more serious symptoms can appear, which are the result of the Borrelia bacteria spreading through various organs and systems in the dog’s body. These include, but are not limited to: problems with the nervous system, kidney failure or cardiac arrhythmias. Unfortunately, these serious complications often occur when Lyme disease is already in an advanced state.
Often dog owners are unaware that their pet may be infected with Lyme disease, especially if the dog initially shows no obvious symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to have regular veterinary checks and to be especially vigilant if we notice any alarming changes in our four-legged friend’s behavior or mood.
Remember that early detection of Lyme disease greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and a return to full fitness. Therefore, if you suspect Lyme disease in your dog, do not delay a visit to the vet.
Diagnosis of Lyme disease in a dog
Diagnosing L ymedisease in a dog can be a challenge, due to the wide range of symptoms that can mimic other diseases. Properly diagnosing Lyme disease requires a detailed history with the dog’s owner, a complete clinical examination of the animal, and appropriate laboratory tests.
During the interview, the veterinarian will ask about the dog’s history of contact with ticks, his previous illnesses, and the symptoms he has observed. He will want to know about changes in the dog’s behavior, activity, appetite or any mobility problems.
The clinical examination may include a general examination of the dog’s condition, an examination of its joints, an evaluation of its skin condition, as well as additional tests such as blood or urine tests. If Lyme disease is suspected, the veterinarian may decide to perform serological tests to help confirm the presence of antibodies to Borrelia in the dog’s blood.
One of the most important parts of diagnosing Lyme disease is serological testing, which involves detecting antibodies to Borrelia bacteria in the dog’s blood serum. The most common serological tests are ELISA and Western Blot. Often, after receiving a positive result in the ELISA test, the veterinarian will recommend a Western Blot test to confirm the diagnosis.
Diagnosing Lyme disease in a dog requires experience and knowledge, as not all dogs infected with Lyme disease show typical symptoms. Much depends on the dog’s immune system, the amount of time that has passed since infection, and the strain of Borrelia bacteria that caused the disease. That’s why regular veterinary examinations and awareness of the possibility of your dog being infected with Lyme disease is so important.
Lyme disease test in a dog
The test for Lyme disease in a dog is a key element in the process of diagnosing the disease. The most commonly used tests are serological tests that detect antibodies to Borrelia bacteria in a dog’s blood. These tests are available at most veterinary clinics and give results within a few days.
The most popular test for Lyme disease in a dog is the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test. This is a test that detects antibodies to Borrelia in a dog’s blood. A positive ELISA test means that the dog’s immune system has reacted to the presence of Borrelia bacteria, which is a strong indicator of Lyme disease.
If the ELISA test is positive, an additional confirmatory test, called a Western Blot, is usually recommended. This test also detects antibodies to Borrelia, but is more specific and less likely to give false positives. Western Blot is usually performed when there is doubt about the ELISA test results.
It is important to remember that the result of a Lyme disease test can be a false negative, especially if the test is done shortly after infection. This may be due to the fact that the dog’s immune system needs time to produce antibodies against the bacteria. Therefore, if you suspect that your dog may have been exposed to Lyme disease, but the test is negative, it is worth repeating the test after a few weeks.
Is Lyme disease in a dog contagious?
Lyme disease in the dog is not contagious to other animals or humans. The disease is only transmitted by ticks. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that if there is more than one dog in the house, each of them can be bitten by a tick and infected with Lyme disease.
Lyme disease in a dog – is it curable?
Fortunately, Lyme disease in the dog is curable. Treatment consists mainly of antibiotics, which eliminate the Borrelia bacteria from the dog’s body. In most cases, dogs respond well to treatment and return to full health. In some cases, however, complications can occur, such as arthritis, which requires further therapy.
Treatment of Lyme disease in the dog
Treatment of Lyme disease in the dog primarily involves the use of antibiotics to combat the Borrelia bacteria that causes the disease. A key aspect of successful treatment is early diagnosis of the disease, which allows for the earliest possible treatment.
The most commonly used antibiotic for the treatment of Lyme disease in the dog is doxycycline. This antibiotic from the tetracycline group is effective against Borrelia bacteria and is usually well tolerated by dogs. Doxycycline is given for several weeks, depending on the severity of the disease and the dog’s overall health.
Another antibiotic used is amoxicillin, which also shows efficacy against Borrelia bacteria. The choice of antibiotic depends on a number of factors, including the age of the dog, its health status, as well as the individual veterinarian’s preference.
When treating Lyme disease in a dog, it is important to monitor the dog’s response to therapy and to check in with the vet regularly. In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust the antibiotic dose or change the drug.
In addition, treatment of Lyme disease in the dog may require supportive symptomatic therapy to relieve symptoms, such as joint pain. This may include the use of pain medications, steroids or supplements to support joint health.

Lyme disease in the dog: prognosis
The prognosis for dogs with Lyme disease is usually good, especially if the disease is detected and treated early. Most dogs return to full health after antibiotic treatment. However, some dogs may experience long-term complications, such as chronic arthritis. Regular veterinary check-ups are key to monitoring your dog’s health and preventing potential complications.
How to protect your dog from Lyme disease?
Preventing Lyme disease in your dog is key, especially since treatment of the disease can be complicated and lengthy. There are several effective strategies that can help protect your dog from Lyme disease.
The first step in protecting your dog from Lyme disease is to avoid contact with ticks. Ticks are the main vector for the transmission of Borrelia bacteria, so it is important to protect your dog from them as much as possible. This includes avoiding walks in areas where ticks are common, such as thickets, forests or tall grasses.
Equally important is the regular use of anti-parasitic products to protect your dog from ticks. There are various products available on the market, such as anti-parasitic collars, neck drops or tablets. The choice of a particular product should depend on the age of the dog, its health status, as well as the pet’s lifestyle.
Another important part of protecting your dog from Lyme disease is Lyme vaccination. Lyme disease vaccines can effectively protect a dog from the disease, although they do not offer 100% protection. The decision to vaccinate your dog against Lyme disease should be made by your veterinarian, taking into account many factors, such as your dog’s risk of exposure to ticks, your dog’s age, and your dog’s overall health.
Remember that even with the above preventive measures, there is always a risk of Lyme disease infection. That’s why regular check-ups at the vet and monitoring your dog’s health is crucial. Early detection of Lyme disease greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and a full recovery.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.