Lyme disease is the most commonly diagnosed tick-transmitted disease, affecting pets and people. While Lyme disease once only threatened pets in the northeastern United States, migrating wildlife patterns and climate change have led to the disease’s spread across the country, putting all U.S. pets at an increased risk for contracting this infection. Our Greenfield Veterinary Clinic team shares five Lyme disease facts to help you better understand this condition and how to keep your pet safe. 

#1: Ticks transmit Lyme disease to pets

Borrelia burgdorferi is the bacterial agent that causes Lyme disease, one of the most common tick-borne infections. Deer ticks (i.e., black-legged ticks)—typically inhabiting heavily wooded areas and forests, marshes, tall grass, and areas with thick brush—transmit Lyme disease. Contrary to popular belief, rather than jumping, ticks wait on the tips of grasses or shrubs with their upper legs outstretched in a questing position, waiting to grab onto an animal or person who brushes against the plant. A tick transmits the Lyme disease-causing bacteria through its bite. However bacterial transmission through the tick’s salivary glands requires 24 to 48 hours’ attachment to its victim. 

#2: Lyme disease is a year-round threat to pets

Lyme disease is not only a warm weather threat. Although ticks are most active during early spring and late fall, they may emerge from dormancy on mild winter days, making tick-borne illnesses a year-round threat to pets. While pets living in some U.S. regions are at a higher Lyme disease risk, tick boundaries have been shifting and expanding, making Lyme disease-transmitting ticks prevalent in almost every state. 

#3: Lyme disease signs can be challenging to identify in pets

Only 5% to 10% of infected pets exhibit Lyme disease signs, which makes early identification nearly impossible. If a pet does show signs, they do not usually manifest until 2 to 5 months after your furry pal has been infected, but could develop later. If your pet’s Lyme disease infection progresses undetected or untreated, they may exhibit neurologic signs, such as seizures, or kidney failure, which is often fatal. Keep an eye out for common Lyme disease signs, which may include:

  • Shifting-leg lameness
  • Stiffness (i.e., pets appear to be walking on eggshells)
  • Appetite loss
  • Vomiting 
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Painful, inflamed joints

#4: Lyme disease treatment for pets

If your veterinarian suspects your pet has Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness, they will recommend a blood test that can identify specific antibodies (i.e., proteins) that indicate exposure. Additional blood work or urine testing may be necessary to check your pet’s organ function.

Lyme disease treatment involves eliminating Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Antibiotics are effective at clearing a pet’s infection, but may not completely eliminate signs. Lyme disease-induced organ or joint damage (e.g., arthritis, stiffness) may persist and require additional therapy or care. The initial antibiotic course typically lasts for four weeks, and an additional course may be necessary. 

#5: Prevention is the best way to protect your pet

Lyme disease can cause your pet to endure lifelong illness. However, regular tick prevention administered year-round can protect your four-legged friend. These preventives have a rapid speed of kill and are effective before the disease is transmitted. To further reduce your pet’s Lyme disease risk, follow these tips: 

  • Avoid walking in tick habitats — When walking your pet, avoid areas where ticks live, including tall grasses, marshes, and wooded areas.
  • Check your pet for ticks — Check your pet for ticks regularly, especially after spending time outdoors in areas where these pests are common. Use a fine-toothed comb to dislodge ticks, paying close attention to areas such as their ears, under their chin, and between their toes.
  • Maintain your yard — You can make your yard less attractive to ticks by mowing the lawn regularly, keeping leaves raked, and clearing tall grasses and brush. 
  • Vaccinate your pet — Vaccination can help prevent your pet from contracting Lyme disease. Ask your veterinarian if Lyme vaccination is right for your four-legged friend.
  • Have your pet tested — Annual tick-borne disease screening tests can identify hidden or early infections.

If you have additional questions about Lyme disease, or would like help determining which tick preventive is best for your pet, schedule an appointment with our Greenfield Veterinary Clinic team.