What are the signs of lyme disease in dogs?

Shifting-leg lameness; Swollen, painful joints; Fever; Lethargy and poor appetite; Rarely: increased thirst from kidney involvement.

When should I contact a veterinarian?

Dogs do not pass Lyme disease directly to people, but they share tick exposure — check yourself too.

Infectious disease · Updated 2026-09-29

A tick-borne bacterial infection; most exposed dogs never become ill, but some develop lameness, fever or, rarely, kidney disease.

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Borrelia bacteria passed by infected ticks, usually after the tick has fed for 24–48 hours.

Blood tests combined with signs and exposure history; a positive test alone does not mean disease.

A course of antibiotics, usually with quick improvement in joint signs, plus pain relief where needed.

Year-round vet-recommended tick prevention, daily tick checks after walks and correct tick removal with a tick hook.

Good for joint disease; the rare kidney form is serious.

What are the signs of lyme disease in dogs?: Shifting-leg lameness; Swollen, painful joints; Fever; Lethargy and poor appetite; Rarely: increased thirst from kidney involvement.
What causes lyme disease in dogs?: Borrelia bacteria passed by infected ticks, usually after the tick has fed for 24–48 hours.
How is lyme disease in dogs diagnosed?: Blood tests combined with signs and exposure history; a positive test alone does not mean disease.
How is lyme disease in dogs treated?: A course of antibiotics, usually with quick improvement in joint signs, plus pain relief where needed.
Can lyme disease in dogs be prevented?: Year-round vet-recommended tick prevention, daily tick checks after walks and correct tick removal with a tick hook.
When should I contact a veterinarian?: Dogs do not pass Lyme disease directly to people, but they share tick exposure — check yourself too.