Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme disease is a common bacterial infection that affects both humans and pets, particularly dogs. If left untreated, Lyme disease can dysregulate regular immune function and lead to undesirable symptoms and long-term health concerns. Today, we will dig deeper into the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment for this disease. 

What is Lyme disease and how is it caused?

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is a tick-borne infection. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, more commonly referred to as the deer tick. These ticks are commonly found in grassy, woody areas and tend to attach themselves to pets when they are engaging in various outdoor activities. 

Generally, in order for Lyme disease to be successfully transmitted, the deer tick must bite and remain attached to the dog for more than 24 hours. This allows enough time for the bacterium to infiltrate the dog’s bloodstream. While only 5-10% of infected dogs show signs of illness, those that do can have quite severe symptoms. The longer the tick remains attached to the pet, the higher the likelihood of infection, making proper prevention and treatment important.

Symptoms

Symptoms might vary between dogs depending on breed and age, but common symptoms of Lyme disease include:

1. Joint Pain: One of the most common symptoms of Lyme disease is recurrent lameness and weakness due to joint pain. This is caused by the bacteria targeting joint tissue once they enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation. 

2. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes are a part of your dog’s immune system and are located in the neck, armpit, and groin area. Lyme disease can result in the swelling and tenderness of lymph nodes near the site of the tick bite. This is a normal response of the dog’s immune system attempting to fight off the infection. 

3. Lethargy & Fatigue: As with any infection, our bodies are working overtime to flush it out of our system. This constant immune response requires a lot of energy, which can leave your dog feeling drained and tired. 

4. Loss of Appetite: While loss of appetite is not a symptom that is unique to Lyme disease, it is a good sign that your dog is not feeling well and should get checked out by a veterinarian.

Prevention and Treatment

Let’s be honest–our furry friends love their outdoor playtime! And while the information you learned today might be scary, with the right preventative measures, there is no reason your dog can’t enjoy their favorite outdoor activities safely. Effective prevention includes:

1. Tick Prevention Products: These include topical treatments, collars, or oral medications that repel or kill ticks before they can bite and transmit the bacteria.

2. Vaccination: A Lyme disease vaccine can help reduce your dog’s risk of infection, especially if you live in or frequently visit high-risk areas.

3. Regular Tick Checks: Inspect your dog’s coat, ears, and skin folds after outdoor activities to remove any ticks before they can attach and transmit disease.

If your dog has already been diagnosed with Lyme disease, there are also treatment options available to help with their recovery. This includes:

1. Antibiotic Treatment: Commonly prescribed antibiotics like doxycycline work to eliminate the Borrelia bacteria from your dog’s immune system.

2. Herbal Treatment: Herbs like Cat’s Claw and Japanese Knotweed are natural remedies that may support immune function and reduce inflammation caused by infection.

3. Pain Relief: Anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs can help ease joint pain and reduce inflammation, improving your dog’s comfort during recovery.

Always consult your veterinarian to determine the best prevention or treatment plan for your dog’s specific needs. Every pet is different, and professional guidance ensures the safest and most effective care!