Lyme Disease

​Lyme Disease in Pets: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
As the weather warms and outdoor activity increases, so does the risk of tick-borne diseases—especially Lyme disease. Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through tick bites, Lyme disease is a growing concern for pets and us across many regions of the United States.  Pennsylvania ranked the highest in human Lyme disease cases 11 out of the past 12 years.  

🕷️ How Do Pets Get Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is primarily spread by the black-legged tick (commonly known as the deer tick). These tiny parasites latch onto your pet during walks in wooded, grassy, or even suburban areas. Once attached, a tick typically needs to be feeding for 24–48 hours before transmitting the bacteria.

⚠️ Signs and Symptoms in Pets
Not all pets show symptoms, but when they do, signs may include:

• Lameness or shifting leg pain
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen joints
• Enlarged lymph nodes

In rare cases, Lyme disease can affect the kidneys, leading to a serious condition known as Lyme nephritis.

🩺 Diagnosis and Treatment
Veterinarians often diagnose Lyme disease based on clinical signs, history of tick exposure, and blood tests. If diagnosed, most pets respond well to antibiotics, particularly doxycycline, and improvement is usually seen within a few days.

🛡️ Prevention is Key
Preventing tick bites is the best way to protect your pet:

• Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives year-round
• Check your pet daily for ticks, especially after outdoor activity
• Keep grass trimmed and reduce tick habitats in your yard
• Ask your veterinarian about the Lyme vaccine for dogs

🧼 Safe Tick Removal
If you find a tick on your pet:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick remover tool
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
3. Pull upward steadily without twisting
4. Clean the area with antiseptic

Avoid using home remedies like petroleum jelly or heat, as these can increase the risk of disease transmission.

❤️ When to Call Us
If your pet shows any signs of illness after a tick bite—or if you’re unsure how to safely remove a tick—contact us right away. Early detection and treatment make a big difference.

🐶 Final Thoughts
Lyme disease is preventable, and with the right precautions, you can keep your pet safe and healthy all year long. If you have questions about tick prevention or Lyme disease, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!

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Could you spot the tick vs poppy seed?

Would you be able to find a tick on your furry friend?