Canine Lyme Disease
- Everwell Pets
- Apr 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 27
What is the disease & how is it transmitted?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick. The bacteria can cause inflammation and affect different systems in your dog’s body, most commonly the joints, leading to painful symptoms. In some cases, Lyme disease can even affect the heart, kidneys, and nervous system.
The most obvious symptom in dogs is lameness or swollen joints, but other symptoms may include fever, lack of appetite, and fatigue.
How Do Dogs Get Lyme Disease?
A common misunderstanding is that ticks are born carrying the disease, but that’s actually not the case. Ticks need to be exposed to Lyme disease from a host (an infected organism) before they can pass it on to your dog. Let's break down how this process works through larvae, nymphs, and adults.
Larvae
In the spring, ticks lay their eggs, and by late summer, larvae hatch, ready to begin their journey as little bloodsuckers. These tiny larvae wait on the ground for a small mammal or bird to pass by so they can latch on and feed. If the animal they latch onto is carrying Lyme disease (like a mouse or ground-feeding bird), the larvae will then carry the bacterium in their stomach.
Larvae are incredibly small—about the size of a period in a printed magazine! So, they can easily go unnoticed. When they attach to a new host (example: a person or dog), the bacteria is transferred into the host’s bloodstream.
Nymphs - The Most Dangerous
Come fall, those tiny larvae grow into nymphs, which are about the size of a poppy seed. Nymphs are more active in the spring and early summer after spending the winter dormant. When they’re ready to feed, they’ll attach to a host (such as your dog) for 4 to 5 days, during which time they engorge themselves with blood, growing several times their original size.
Note: if a nymph was infected during its larval stage, it can pass Lyme disease on to its host. On the other hand, if the nymph wasn't infected earlier but the host is, the nymph will become a carrier and can spread it to a new host.
The nymph stage is considered the most dangerous stage. Why? Because they’re so small, they often go unnoticed until they’ve already fed and become engorged. Mice studies have shown that at least 24 hours of attachment is needed for the bacteria to move out of the gut of the tick and into the host. This is why nymphs are most likely to spread Lyme disease to your dog (and humans too—all human cases of Lyme disease come from infected nymphs).
In Lyme-endemic areas like the Northeast and Upper Midwest, up to 25% of nymphs carry the Lyme disease spirochete. Nymphs prefer small mammals and birds, but if your dog happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, they can become a suitable host as well.
Adult Ticks
Adult ticks are most active in the fall, particularly between late October and early November. They tend to be found in taller vegetation, about 3 feet off the ground in high grasses and leaves. Adult ticks typically prefer deer as hosts, but they’ll also latch onto humans, dogs, and horses.
In endemic areas, about 50% of adult ticks carry Lyme disease, but they’re less likely to transmit the disease compared to nymphs. Why? Because they’re larger, easier to spot, and easier to remove before the critical 24 to 36-hour window that’s needed for transmission to occur. So, while they can carry Lyme, adult ticks are typically easier to mitigate than nymphs.
Lime Disease Prognosis
While Lyme disease can be serious, many dogs can go into remission or even recover fully with treatment. Conventional veterinary treatments for Lyme disease often involve long courses of antibiotics, but don’t forget—many dogs (and people!) have had success with alternative options like supplements, herbs, and homeopathy. These natural treatments can help support your dog’s immune system and overall health, providing a more holistic approach to managing the disease.
In Summary
The life cycle of ticks plays a crucial role in how Lyme disease spreads. From the tiny larvae to the blood-engorged nymphs, and even the adult ticks that are still on the lookout for hosts, understanding how ticks spread Lyme disease is key to protecting your dog. Be vigilant during tick season, and don’t forget to check your dog thoroughly after walks or hikes, especially if you’re in a Lyme-endemic area.
Prevention is always the best strategy when it comes to keeping your dog tick-free! Start with a raw dog food diet to support a super healthy immune system, and use essential oils to help keep ticks away while you’re out in nature. Additionally, we dig into simple food additives to make sure your pup doesn’t taste good to those ticks and lawn treatment options for preventative measures. Lastly, we cover how to check and test ticks. With these simple steps, you can help your dog stay healthy and tick-free all year long!
Book a Virtual Pet Wellness consult with Dr. Andi today!
Looking for guidance in pet nutrition, or help navigating a scary diagnosis, or simply looking to support your pet's vitality? Dr. Andi is here to guide you every step of the way.
Don't miss out on natural pet health and wellness tips and stay ahead of seasonal news by subscribing to our free weekly newsletter, The Everwell Digest, where we deliver all the tasty tid-bits right to your bowl!
Citations
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Website