Tick-borne diseases: Lyme disease

In humans, Lyme disease is the most commonly diagnosed disease associated with a tick bite. It is not only dangerous for humans, but can also affect your dog's health. But how does Lyme disease manifest itself in dogs and how can it be treated?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infectious disease, caused by a type of bacteria from the genus Borrelia that's transmitted through certain ticks. The disease is widespread in both Europe and North America. Ticks get the bacteria when they feed on wild animals (mice, hedgehogs, deer).  

The borrelia are located in the tick's intestine and are therefore not transmitted immediately after the bite. This takes around 16 to 24 hours. To protect your dog, it is therefore important to check it thoroughly after every walk and remove ticks as soon as possible. Using a tick repellent to prevent bites and possible infections is also recommended.

Recognising Lyme disease in dogs is not easy. In contrast to humans, dogs often do not develop a red ring around the bite site of the tick or the redness is not recognisable in the dense dog fur. In addition, not all dogs become clinically ill. However, if your furry friend shows the following symptoms, these may be the first signs of an infection:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Decreased activity
• Loss of appetite

As these symptoms disappear again after around two days and new problems in the form of lameness due to joint inflammation only occur weeks later, Lyme disease often goes unnoticed in the early phase of the infection. Alternating lameness, which can manifest itself in different ways – from mild to severe or from temporarily to recurring in waves – is a distinct sign of the disease.

Our tip: Keep an eye on your dog after a tick bite. If you notice a change in behaviour or feel unsafe, contact your vet.

Lyme disease in dogs is a serious illness that must be treated by a vet. In rare cases, it can sometimes lead to severe complications. A blood test is carried out to diagnose Lyme disease infection. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by a vet, it is treated with antibiotics. 

Preventive vaccinations against Lyme disease in dogs are available, but are the subject of controversial debate. The most effective preventative measure is therefore consistent tick protection.