Understanding Lyme Disease: How Dogs Contract It and What to Do About Ticks
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. Black-legged ticks—often called deer ticks—carry this bacterium and can transmit it to dogs (and humans) through a bite. While not every tick carries Lyme disease, the risk is significant enough to warrant consistent prevention and monitoring.
How Dogs Contract Lyme Disease
Tick Attachment: Ticks latch onto a dog’s skin to feed on blood. If the tick is infected, it may transmit the bacteria during feeding.
Outdoor Exploration: Dogs that venture into wooded areas, tall grasses, or leaf piles are more prone to tick exposure.
Seasonal Peaks: Tick activity typically increases in warmer months, though mild winters can extend their active season.
Prevention Strategies
Use Preventive Products: Topical or oral tick preventives can significantly lower the chance of tick bites. Speak with your veterinarian about the best option for your dog’s lifestyle.
Regular Grooming Checks: After outdoor activities, run your fingers through your dog’s fur to feel for bumps. Check hidden areas like ears, armpits, and between toes.
Yard Maintenance: Keep your lawn trimmed and remove leaf litter. Ticks thrive in damp, overgrown areas, so reducing these environments helps limit their presence.
Natural Repellents: Some owners use diluted essential oils—like cedarwood or lemon eucalyptus—as an extra layer of defense. Always consult a vet before applying any essential oil products to ensure they’re safe and correctly diluted.
Avoid High-Risk Zones: If possible, steer clear of tall grass, dense brush, and leaf piles when walking your dog, especially during peak tick seasons.
If You Find a Tick
Remove It Immediately:
Use a tick removal tool and grasp the tick close to your dog’s skin.
Pull straight out with steady pressure; avoid twisting or squeezing the tick’s body to prevent further bacteria transfer.
Clean the Area:
Wash your hands and the bite site with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic to the skin.
Watch for Symptoms:
Keep an eye out for fever, decreased appetite, limping, or joint stiffness. Some dogs may not show signs right away, so stay alert in the weeks following a tick bite.
Consult Your Vet:
If you suspect infection or notice any unusual behavior, schedule an appointment. Early treatment with antibiotics can be very effective in preventing serious complications.
Understanding Lyme Disease Symptoms
Lameness or Limping (Shifting Leg Lameness)
Fever, Lethargy, or Weakness
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Decreased Appetite
If any of these symptoms appear—especially after a known tick bite—seek veterinary care promptly.
By combining regular tick checks with preventative products and responsible yard management, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of Lyme disease in your dog. Early detection and swift removal of ticks remain key steps in ensuring your pet stays healthy and active year-round.