If Your Dog Suddenly Develops a Limp — Lyme Disease Tick Infection Symptoms and Prevention

Infection/ParasitesDiseasesMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Lyme disease in dogs is a tick-borne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, with arthritis, fever, and fatigue being the main symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential.

Lyme Disease in Dogs Is an Infectious Disease Transmitted by Ticks

Lyme disease in dogs is a tick-borne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is primarily transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes species and is found in most regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with cases also reported in Asia. In the early stages, it presents with non-specific symptoms such as fever, lethargy, joint pain, and enlarged lymph nodes, which owners may easily overlook. These symptoms tend to come and go in cycles. Since ticks transmit the bacteria while attached to the skin and feeding for an extended period, prompt inspection and removal after outdoor activities are crucial. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to preventing complications. If symptoms appear, consult your veterinarian immediately.

The Main Cause of Lyme Disease Is Tick Bites and Bacterial Transmission

Lyme disease is primarily caused by Ixodes ticks, which transmit the bacteria when they bite your dog’s skin to feed. The bacteria normally reside in the tick’s midgut, but once the tick attaches and begins feeding, surface proteins change, allowing the bacteria to migrate through the hemolymph and enter the host’s bloodstream. This means the longer a tick remains attached, the higher the risk of infection. After every outing, carefully check your dog’s coat and skin to find and remove any ticks promptly. To reduce the risk of infection, use tick-preventive products consistently and inspect your dog immediately after being outdoors. Early prevention is far more effective than treatment.

A close-up shot of a tick attached to a dog's skin

Main Symptoms Include Arthritis, Fever, and Fatigue

The hallmark sign of Lyme disease in dogs is difficulty walking due to arthritis. One or more joints may swell, making it hard for your dog to walk. A characteristic feature is shifting lameness, where the dog alternates which leg it limps on. Fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and enlarged lymph nodes are also common symptoms. These symptoms tend to come and go, disappearing temporarily before returning.

Joint pain: Your dog may repeatedly limp, switching from one leg to another.

Fever: Body temperature may rise above normal levels.

Lethargy: Your dog may lack energy and stay in one place all day.

Loss of appetite: Your dog may refuse treats and drink less water.

Enlarged lymph nodes: The neck or armpit areas may become swollen.

Emergency Signs Requiring Immediate Veterinary Visit

If your dog suddenly has trouble walking, experiences severe joint swelling, or shows persistent fever and lethargy, consult a veterinarian immediately. As Lyme disease progresses, it can affect the kidneys, leading to proteinuria, Lyme nephritis, or chronic kidney disease, which may worsen the prognosis. Early treatment is key to preventing complications.

Lyme Disease Treatment Medication Comparison Table

Item	Administration	Treatment Duration	Precautions
Doxycycline	Oral administration	30 days	It is the first-choice antibiotic for Lyme disease
Amoxicillin (ampicillin)	Oral administration	30 days	Be cautious of possible allergic reactions
Tetracyclines (minocycline, etc.)	Oral administration	According to veterinarian's instructions	Generally considered as an alternative when doxycycline is difficult to use

The veterinarian selects the appropriate medication based on body weight and health status.

Diagnosis Is Made Through Blood Tests and Symptom Analysis

Lyme disease is diagnosed through blood tests that check for the presence of antibodies against the Lyme disease bacteria. ELISA or IFA tests are commonly used, and symptoms along with a history of tick exposure are also taken into account. In some cases, joint fluid aspiration or tissue biopsy may be necessary. Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation of both symptoms and test results. Since symptoms can temporarily disappear and then recur, ongoing monitoring is essential. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in increasing the success rate of treatment.

A veterinarian drawing blood from a puppy.

Treatment Is Conducted with Antibiotics, and Early Initiation Is Important

Lyme disease is primarily treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin. According to veterinary pharmacology textbooks, a 30-day course is generally recommended, and symptoms typically improve within 1–2 days of starting treatment. However, complete recovery may take time, so it’s important to finish the full course of medication as prescribed. During treatment, limit your pet’s activity and schedule regular follow-up exams to monitor their progress. Early treatment is the most effective way to prevent complications.

Home Care Centers on Medication Administration and Tick Prevention

During the recovery phase of Lyme disease, it is crucial to administer medication precisely and manage your pet’s activity levels. To prevent tick bites, thoroughly check your pet’s coat and skin after every outdoor excursion and use tick-preventive products. Since ticks typically need to remain attached for more than 24 hours to transmit the infection, early removal is key.

Adhere to Medication Schedule: Do not stop the medication prematurely; administer it at consistent times.

Post-Outing Checks: Carefully inspect areas such as between the fur, behind the ears, and around the neck.

Use Preventatives: Apply tick-preventive products regularly.

Limit Activity: Avoid excessive exercise during the recovery period.

Regular Check-ups: A follow-up examination is recommended one to two months after treatment.

A hand checking around a puppy’s ears and neck

Certain Breeds May Be More Susceptible to Lyme Disease

While some reports suggest that certain breeds, such as Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers, may be more susceptible to Lyme disease, no clear genetic predisposition has been proven. The claim that breeds with stronger immune responses are at higher risk for complications is an overgeneralization not supported by current evidence. If your dog lives in an area with high tick exposure, it’s important to take extra precautions for prevention.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Lyme disease be transmitted to humans?

Yes, Lyme disease is a zoonotic infection that can also affect humans. However, dogs do not transmit it directly to people; instead, both can become infected by being bitten by the same Ixodes tick. Humans may experience similar symptoms, such as arthritis and lethargy.

Can Lyme disease recur after treatment?

Even after treatment, the bacteria may not be completely eradicated, which can lead to recurrence, and reinfection is also possible. Therefore, it’s important to consistently prevent tick bites and seek follow-up care if symptoms reappear.

My dog got bitten by a tick. Is that okay?

The shorter the tick has been attached, the lower the risk of infection. However, if it has been attached for an extended period (usually more than a day) or if the attachment time is unknown, it is safer to consult with a veterinarian.

How can I prevent Lyme disease?

Using tick-preventive products, checking your pet’s coat after going outdoors, and avoiding areas with high tick populations are effective measures. In addition to regular preventive treatments, you can also consult your veterinarian about vaccinations (non-core vaccines) if needed.

When is the best time to get tested for Lyme disease?

It’s a good idea to have your dog tested if you notice symptoms such as fever, difficulty walking, or lethargy, or if you suspect tick exposure. Early testing is essential when symptoms are present. Rather than relying solely on the season, it’s best to base the decision on clinical signs.

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References

[1] BSAVA. (2020). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dermatology, 4th Ed.

[2] Principles and Practices of Canine and Feline Clinical Parasitic Diseases. (2018). Chapter 9.6: Lyme Borreliosis.

[3] Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat, 4th Ed. (2021). Section on Tick-Borne Diseases.