What You Need to Know for Prevention and Treatment

As an avid pet lover, hearing “Lyme disease in dogs” may raise your concerns. Don’t worry, Dr. Marra is here to educate you on prevention, teach you to recognize the symptoms, and understand the treatment options available.

“As most of you know, I am an avid dog lover and have had a dog in my office for most of my career, both for emotional support and mental health. Dogs can be excellent office companions on your health care journey. So you can imagine, I am very aware and concerned for dogs that get Lyme disease. I’m here to help.” 

Medical Minutes with Dr Marra; Episode 51: Lyme Disease in Dogs

What is Lyme Disease in Dogs?

Lyme disease affects over 300,000 people annually in the United States and it CAN also affect dogs when they are bitten by an infected tick. The bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease, is transmitted through tick bites and can have significant effects on your dog’s health if not treated properly.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs

Canine Lyme disease symptoms can vary, but they often include:

• Generalized body pain
• Limping
• Swollen joints
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• Lameness

Unfortunately, it typically takes 2-5 months after the tick bite for dogs to show symptoms of Lyme disease, and by then, the bacterial infection has usually become systemic.

Diagnosing Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme disease can be diagnosed using blood tests for the bacteria antibodies (IgM and IgG) or a PCR test on blood or joint fluids. General blood work and a urinalysis can also help. The vet will look for signs of kidney damage, such as a loss of protein in the urine, which can indicate that the infection has affected the kidneys.

Treatment for Lyme Disease in Dogs

Treatment for Lyme disease in dogs is readily available and effective. Common medications include:

• Doxycycline (the best choice)
• Amoxicillin
• Zithromax

Generally, your dog will need to stay on antibiotics for at least 4 weeks to completely eliminate the infection. This treatment is much more effective in dogs compared to humans, where treatment can be more challenging.

Lyme Disease Vaccine for Dogs

There is a vaccine available for dogs to help prevent Lyme disease. While it is safe and can reduce the risk of infection, it is NOT 100% effective. If you live in a Lyme-endemic area, discuss the pros and cons with your vet to determine whether this vaccine is appropriate for your dog. If you do not live in a Lyme-endemic area, your dog likely does not need this vaccine.

Tick Prevention for Dogs

Tick prevention is absolutely critical in Lyme-endemic areas. However, tick repellents for dogs can have side effects, so it’s important to discuss options with your vet. Some commonly used tick prevention products include:

• Frontline
• Advantix
• Bravecto (topical)
• Nexgard (chewable)
• Simparica

Speak to your vet about which product would be best suited for your dog breed.

Be a Responsible Fur Parent: How to Protect Your Dog from Lyme Disease

Part of being an excellent fur parent is ensuring that your dog is protected from health dangers like Lyme disease, especially in endemic areas. It’s important to be aware of where ticks are common in your state/area, so you can take proactive steps to prevent Lyme disease.

Dogs are our dearest friends and allies, but they cannot protect themselves from Lyme disease. When they play outside, they are just being goofy dogs—but this is when they can be vulnerable to Lyme disease. To protect your canine companion, be sure to:

• Discuss the prevalence of Lyme disease in your area with your vet
• Use tick prevention medication
• Stay vigilant in tick-prone areas

Your dog will love you for taking such great care of them!

FYI, NONE of my dogs have ever had Lyme disease because when I am in an endemic area, I generally use Frontline. I have never even found a tick on them. Thank goodness! I hope you take these precautions seriously to protect your beloved dog(s) from Lyme disease. Here’s to keeping both you and your furry friend healthy and happy!

About Dr. Susan Marra & Juju

Dr. Susan Marra is a world-leading Lyme Literate Naturopathic doctor specializing in the treatment of Lyme disease, vector-borne diseases, Neurodegenerative Diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease), Post Covid, Long Covid, red light therapy, and environmental illness (mold).

Having trained with Dr. Richard Horowitz and Dr. Charles Ray Jones, Lyme disease experts on the East Coast, Dr. Marra is well qualified to manage and heal tick-borne disease. Take the first step toward a better quality of life with expert care tailored to your needs.

Juju (Juliette Pearl) is Dr. Marra’s cream french bulldog and the inspiration for understanding Lyme disease in dogs. Juju has wonderful healing energy and properties just because she is lovable and friendly and wants belly rubs all the time. If you join us in the office, you can find her treats at the front counter but please ONLY give her one.  We have to watch her weight because she is a true “bon bon” girl.

To learn more about Dr. Marra’s approach or to schedule a consultation, contact or call us to book an appointment. 

Disclaimer The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in these videos is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen, read, or heard in these videos.