Lyme disease in dogs – signs and what to do
Book a vet visitBook a vet appointment if you think your dog has this – a vet needs to confirm it and plan the treatment. Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacterium called Borrelia.
What you can do now
- Contact your vet
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet
- Keep fresh water available
- Let your dog rest somewhere calm
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine
- Do not wait if it gets worse
What it is
Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacterium called Borrelia, which is carried by ticks.[1] Signs can include limping and swollen joints, fever, low energy and reduced appetite.[1]
Signs
Causes and risk factors
How a vet finds out
- A vet considers your dog’s symptoms
- A vet considers your dog’s history of tick exposure
- Blood tests
How vets treat it
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatories
- Pain relief
- Hospitalisation
- Medication
What the experts say
“Most cases of Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics and improvements are usually seen within 24-48hours of starting them. The course is usually several weeks long, and should always be finished to make sure all bacteria are killed.”
Not sure how serious it is?
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Common questions
What is Lyme disease?
It is an infection caused by a bacteria called Borrelia, which can be transmitted to animals via tick bites.[1]
What signs can Lyme disease cause in dogs?
Signs can include limping and swollen joints, fever, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, reduced appetite, nerve problems, and drinking and weeing more.[1]
How does a vet diagnose and treat Lyme disease?
A vet considers your dog’s symptoms and history of tick exposure, and may run a blood test. Treatment may include antibiotics.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages