Lyme Disease in Dogs: A 2025 Veterinary Guide to Prevention, Testing & Treatment 🐶🦠

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. Lyme disease in dogs differs dramatically from the human form. While most dogs never develop symptoms, some develop painful joint disease—or worse, immune-driven kidney failure. In this 2025 guide, I’ll explain how dogs get Lyme, what signs to watch for, how we test, and the role of tick prevention and vaccination. 🧬

🧫 What Causes Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected ticks—especially the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). ⏳ Transmission requires 48 hours of tick attachment. If you remove the tick earlier, your dog is safe.

📍 Geographic Risk

• 🧭 Northeast U.S. (New England, Mid-Atlantic)
• 🛶 Upper Midwest (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan)
• 🌲 Northern California coast

On the west coast, Lyme risk is lower due to the Pacific black-legged tick, which prefers reptiles—whose blood blocks the bacteria. 🦎

🤒 Lyme Disease in Dogs vs. Humans

In humans:

• 90% develop flu-like symptoms
• 60% develop joint pain
• 5–15% may get neurologic or cardiac issues

In dogs:

• Only ~5% develop any symptoms
• Symptoms emerge weeks to months after infection
• Most show limping, fever, or joint swelling
• Rarely: immune-related kidney damage (Lyme nephritis)

🔬 Testing for Lyme Disease

C6 Antibody Test: Most commonly used, this test detects antibodies to the C6 peptide—unique to natural infection (not vaccination). ✅

• Positive 3–5 weeks after infection
• Remains positive over a year
• Does not indicate current symptoms—just exposure

Routine screening is recommended in endemic areas during wellness visits. Dogs that test positive may need further testing for kidney protein loss (urine protein:creatinine ratio). 🧪

💊 Treatment

If your dog is C6 positive with joint symptoms or fever, your vet may prescribe:

• 💊 Doxycycline (2–4 weeks)
• 💊 Alternatives: minocycline, amoxicillin, cefovecin

Most dogs improve within 48 hours. But Lyme organisms are hard to eradicate completely. The goal is symptom control and immune stabilization. 🔁

⚠️ Lyme Nephritis (Kidney Complication)

A small number of dogs develop immune-mediated kidney disease after Lyme exposure. This may present as:

• 💧 Increased thirst
• 🚱 Protein loss in urine
• 📉 Weight loss or lethargy

Treatment may involve:

• 🔬 Urine protein:creatinine ratio monitoring
• 💊 Immune suppressants
• 🛑 Kidney-supportive diet

🛡️ Vaccination Against Lyme

• 🧬 Prevents infection before it starts
• 📆 2 initial shots, then yearly boosters
• 💉 Vaccinate before tick season (spring/summer)

Types of Vaccines:

• Killed bacterin: Whole-cell vaccine, more likely to cause reactions
• Recombinant OspA: Fewer side effects, prevents tick-to-dog transfer
• OspA + OspC: Targets both tick and dog-stage infection
• Chimerized OspC: Covers multiple OspC subtypes for broader protection

Small breed dogs may experience mild vaccine reactions. Discuss options with your vet. 🐾

🧩 Should You Vaccinate a C6-Positive Dog?

This remains debated. Arguments:

✅ Pro:

• 💉 Helps block new Borrelia strains
• 🔐 Prevents worsening of disease over time

🚫 Con:

• ⚠️ Risk of vaccine reaction
• ❓ May not offer added benefit for a dog already latently infected

Sick or protein-losing dogs should not be vaccinated until stable. In some cases, antibiotics are given before vaccination. 🧪

🦟 Tick Prevention: Essential in All Dogs

• 🛡️ Prevent ticks with monthly products (chews, collars, topicals)
• 🔎 Check your dog daily during spring/summer
• ⏱️ Remove ticks within 48 hours to prevent disease

📱 Ask A Vet: Tick-Borne Disease Support

• 🧬 Help with interpreting C6 and urine test results
• 💊 Treatment planning and alternatives
• 📅 Vaccine schedules
• 🧪 Urine monitoring tips

Get fast advice at AskAVet.com or through the app. 🐾

✅ Summary: Lyme in Dogs

• 🧫 95% of dogs never show Lyme symptoms
• 🦵 Arthritis is the most common sign when it does occur
• 🧪 C6 antibody test is preferred diagnostic
• 💊 Treat with doxycycline or minocycline
• 🛑 Kidney complications require long-term care
• 💉 Vaccinate before exposure, especially in tick-prone areas
• 🦟 Remove ticks within 48 hours to stop transmission

Lyme disease is largely preventable and often mild in dogs. Stay protected with routine screening, tick control, and smart vaccination. 🐶🛡️

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc