Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a prevalent infection transmitted through tick bites, caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. When an infected tick bites a dog, the bacterium can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to illness and affecting specific organs. Detecting Lyme disease can be challenging, and if left untreated, it can result in serious, long-term health complications. Considering dog insurance early on can help cover treatment costs, as it typically does not cover pre-existing conditions.
Who is at Risk of Lyme Disease?
Dogs, humans, and less commonly, cats, cattle, and horses are susceptible to Lyme disease. Ticks are frequently found in grassy, sandy, and wooded environments, making avoidance difficult. For transmission to occur, a tick usually needs to remain attached for 24 to 48 hours. While Lyme disease has been reported in all US states, infection risk varies, with the majority of cases originating from the Pacific coast, Upper Midwest, and Northeast. However, recent data indicates a growing prevalence in areas previously considered low-risk, such as Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, North Dakota, and Michigan. Ticks can also carry other tick-borne diseases affecting dogs, including babesiosis and anaplasmosis, which present with symptoms similar to Lyme disease and are diagnosed via blood tests by a veterinarian.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Unlike in humans, where Lyme disease often presents with a characteristic rash and flu-like symptoms within days or weeks, canine symptoms are less consistent and may take weeks or months to manifest. Many dogs can carry the disease without showing any signs.
Common indicators of Lyme disease in dogs include:
- Fever
- Lethargy and fatigue
- General discomfort, pain, or stiffness
- Lameness, which may be intermittent, shifting, or recurring
- Joint swelling
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Depression
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Vomiting
- Bad breath
Without treatment, Lyme disease can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. In severe cases, kidney damage can progress to Lyme nephritis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the kidneys. Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers appear to be more prone to developing Lyme nephritis and require particular attention. Serious neurological and cardiac symptoms can also develop.
Image source: Lyme Disease Organization
How Lyme Disease is Transmitted
Lyme disease is transmitted solely through tick bites; it cannot spread directly from dogs to humans or between animals. However, an infected tick on a dog can inadvertently enter a home and potentially infest family members or other pets. Dogs, cats, humans, and wildlife can all act as carriers, facilitating the movement of ticks from outdoor environments into homes. If your dog tests positive for Lyme disease, it is advisable to consult your doctor about potential testing for yourself and other household pets.
Lyme Disease Diagnosis
A veterinarian will diagnose Lyme disease based on physical symptoms and the dog’s health history. Two primary blood tests are employed for diagnosis:
- C6 Test: This test detects antibodies against the C6 antigen, indicating an infection. Antibodies may be detectable 3 to 5 weeks after a tick bite, potentially before symptoms appear.
- Quant C6 Test: Used in conjunction with urine analysis, this test helps determine the necessity of antibiotic treatment.
Treating Lyme Disease in Dogs
If you suspect your dog is exhibiting symptoms of Lyme disease, schedule a veterinary appointment promptly. A positive blood test result will lead to a prescription for antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. Doxycycline and Amoxicillin are common treatment choices. Symptoms typically improve within 48 hours of starting antibiotic therapy. It is crucial to administer the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if your dog appears to recover quickly. Incomplete treatment can lead to antibiotic resistance and recurrence of illness. Dogs diagnosed with Lyme disease should undergo annual urine tests due to the long-term risk of renal disease.
Treatment Costs
The cost of treating Lyme disease can be substantial. Veterinary examination fees typically range from $40 to $100, with blood tests costing around $80. A 14-day supply of antibiotics can cost approximately $400 or more, depending on the region. In severe cases requiring chronic condition management and hospitalization, expenses can escalate significantly.
Reducing Treatment Costs
Investing in pet insurance for your dog before any illness arises can mitigate the high costs associated with treating Lyme disease and other potential emergencies, injuries, or illnesses throughout their life. Most pet insurance plans cover blood tests, treatments, and medications, and potentially vet exam fees, provided the policy was active before the diagnosis.
Image source: Arlington Animal Hospital
Lyme Disease Prevention
The most effective way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. Implement the following strategies to minimize tick exposure for your dog:
- Avoid Tick-Prone Areas: When walking your dog, steer clear of bushy areas, tall grass, and dense woods. Stick to marked trails, especially in Lyme-endemic regions.
- Perform Thorough Inspections: After outdoor excursions, thoroughly inspect yourself and your dog for ticks. Pay close attention to the ears, lips, eyes, groin area, armpits, between toes, and under the tail. Due to their small size, young ticks may require a flashlight for detection.
- Remove Ticks Promptly: If you find a tick, remove it immediately with tweezers, taking care not to crush it, which could introduce bacteria into the skin. Consult your veterinarian if you are unable to remove the tick successfully.
- Regular Veterinary Checks: Request your vet to check for ticks during every examination.
Tick control medications are essential for prevention. Numerous over-the-counter products, such as Advantix, Revolution, Frontline, and Preventic collars, are effective in repelling ticks and killing any that attach before they can cause illness. While these may not always prevent attachment or kill ticks instantly, they often cause ticks to detach before the critical 48-hour transmission window. Consult your veterinarian to determine the most suitable product for your dog. Many pet insurance plans offering wellness care can reimburse a significant portion of the cost for year-round flea and tick preventatives.
Consider vaccination against the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Vaccination is recommended for dogs living in Lyme-endemic areas, particularly those who spend considerable time outdoors in wooded environments. Discuss Lyme vaccination with your veterinarian during your dog’s next wellness visit.
Main Takeaways
Lyme disease is a serious, potentially fatal infection transmitted by ticks, affecting both dogs and humans. Dogs are at risk in wooded, tick-endemic areas. Diagnosis and treatment involve antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. Year-round tick preventatives and available vaccines are crucial for prevention. Most pet insurance plans cover Lyme disease treatment for conditions diagnosed after the policy is active, making early enrollment highly beneficial.
