Lyme Disease in Dogs (Lyme Borreliosis)

  • Synonyms: Borrelia infection, Lyme disease
  • Occurrence: common
  • Location of disease: General/Whole body
Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 15.10.2026
Open table of contents

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

?

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

Download/Print

Definition

Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia, which is primarily transmitted to dogs through tick bites.

The most important facts at a glance

Lyme disease in dogs is caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia, especially Borrelia burgdorferi. These bacteria are transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, particularly of the Ixodes genus. Ticks live in forests, grasslands, and gardens and go through developmental stages, requiring blood meals. An infection can occur if ticks remain attached for longer than 24 to 48 hours. Symptoms include Fever, Lameness, Arthritis, and loss of appetite. diagnosis is made based on clinical symptoms and blood tests that detect antibody. A positive test indicates contact with the bacterium, but not necessarily an active infection. PCR tests can detect Borrelia DNA. Treatment is with antibiotics such as doxycycline and may also include anti-inflammatory medication. The prognosis is good if treated early, but severe cases can be more complex. prevention includes tick preventatives, regular checks, and vaccination in high-risk areas. Research is improving diagnostic methods and vaccines, examining the effects of climate change on distribution, and developing personalized prevention strategies. New treatments are also being tested to increase effectiveness and avoid resistance.

Causes

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia, with Borrelia burgdorferi being the most common species found in North America and Europe. These bacteria are primarily transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected ticks of the Ixodes species, also known as deer ticks or sheep ticks.

Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites found in forests, grasslands, and gardens. They go through several developmental stages—larvae, nymphs, and adults—and require a blood meal at each stage to develop further. While they attach to the host and feed on blood, they can transmit bacteria.

The likelihood of an infection depends on how long the tick remains on the dog. It is believed that transmission of Borrelia occurs only after 24 to 48 hours of attachment. Therefore, early removal of the tick is crucial to reduce the risk of infection.

Symptoms

Rare symptoms:

Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs can vary and often depend on the severity of the infection and the animal’s individual response. Many dogs show no symptoms or only mild symptoms, while others can become seriously ill.

The most common symptoms include Fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes. Some dogs also develop Lameness, which often shifts and is known as “shifting-leg lameness” because it can move from one leg to another.

In more severe cases, Lyme disease can also cause kidney problems, which manifest as increased thirst, increased urine production, vomiting, and weight loss. This form of the disease can be serious and potentially life-threatening.

Key symptoms: Fever + apathy + painful, shifting lameness after possible tick infestation. Warning signs: proteinuria/edema (suspected Lyme nephritis) or neurological/cardiac abnormalities

Therapy

Treatment of Lyme disease in dogs is typically done with antibiotics, with doxycycline being the most commonly used medication. Treatment usually lasts several weeks to ensure that the bacteria are completely eliminated from the dog’s body.

In addition to antibiotics, the veterinarian may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to relieve Pain and Inflammatory conditions. In severe cases, especially if kidney problems occur, more intensive treatment may be required, including fluid therapy and supportive care.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with Lyme disease depends on the severity of the infection and the speed of treatment. Dogs that are diagnosed and treated early generally have a good prognosis and recover fully.

However, it can be more complicated for dogs that develop severe symptoms, particularly kidney problems. These animals may require more intensive and long-term care. In rare cases, the disease can become chronic and cause recurring symptoms.

Prevention

prevention of Lyme disease in dogs focuses primarily on avoiding tick bites. This can be achieved through regular use of tick preventatives, which are available as collars, spot-on products, or oral medications.

Dogs should also be checked regularly for ticks after walks in tick-infested areas. Ticks should be removed immediately and carefully to reduce the risk of Borrelia transmission.

There are also vaccines against Lyme disease for dogs that can be considered in high-risk regions. These vaccines should be integrated into the dog’s vaccination schedule in consultation with a veterinarian.

You can find more information about Lyme borreliosis in dogs in this article from VCA Hospitals.

Outlook on current research

Research on Lyme disease in dogs focuses heavily on improving diagnostic methods to enable earlier and more accurate detection of the disease. Scientists are working to identify specific biomarkers that indicate infection with Borrelia species. These biomarkers could serve as the basis for new blood tests or other diagnostic procedures in the future that are faster and less invasive than current methods.

Another important area of research is the development of vaccines. While there are already some vaccines against Lyme disease for dogs, they are not always 100% effective and may not cover all Borrelia strains. Researchers are therefore exploring new ways to improve vaccines, such as incorporating additional bacterial proteins or combining them with other protective measures.

The effects of climate change on the spread of Lyme disease in dogs are also being studied intensively. As ticks that transmit the disease establish themselves in new geographic areas, studies are underway to understand how these changes affect the risk of infection for dogs worldwide. Research aims to develop preventive measures based on regional conditions.

There are also research projects looking at dogs’ genetic susceptibility to Lyme disease. Certain breeds or genetic lines appear to be more susceptible to infection than others. Understanding these genetic factors could lead to personalized prevention strategies tailored specifically to the needs of individual dogs.

Finally, treatment of dogs with Lyme disease is also being researched intensively. New antibiotics and combination therapies are being tested to increase treatment effectiveness and prevent the development of resistance. This research could lead to new standards in veterinary practice and significantly improve the quality of life of dogs with Lyme disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Lyme disease in dogs?
Lyme disease, also called Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia bacteria and can be transmitted to dogs through tick bites. It can cause various symptoms, including fever, lameness, and joint pain.
2. How is Lyme disease in dogs diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made through a combination of clinical symptoms, the presence of ticks or tick bites, and specific blood tests that detect antibodies against Borrelia bacteria. However, an accurate diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms are nonspecific.
3. Can all dogs get Lyme disease?
Theoretically, all dogs can get Lyme disease, but the risk is higher for dogs that live in areas with high tick density or spend a lot of time outdoors. Some breeds may be genetically more susceptible.
4. What symptoms do dogs with Lyme disease show?
The most common symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, joint pain, lameness, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, heart, kidney, and neurological problems can also occur.
5. How is Lyme disease in dogs treated?
Treatment is usually done with antibiotics, which are administered over several weeks. In some cases, additional medications are needed to relieve pain and inflammatory conditions.
6. Can Lyme disease in dogs be cured?
Yes, most dogs respond well to antibiotic treatment and can fully recover. However, it may take some time for all symptoms to disappear, and in rare cases, long-term health problems may persist.
7. How can I protect my pet from Lyme disease?
Regular tick checks and the use of tick prevention products are crucial. There are also vaccines that can protect against Lyme disease, but they do not replace the need to avoid ticks.
8. Can people get Lyme disease from dogs?
Humans cannot contract Lyme disease directly from dogs. The disease is transmitted through ticks. However, it is important to remove ticks from pets to minimize the risk for both humans and animals.
9. Are there long-term effects in dogs with Lyme disease?
In some cases, dogs that have contracted Lyme disease can develop long-term health problems such as chronic joint inflammation or kidney disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid such complications.
10. Is Lyme disease widespread in all regions?
Lyme disease occurs primarily in areas where ticks are common, especially in forests and grasslands. However, distribution can vary depending on geographic area, and climate changes can influence the spread.

Literature

  • Littman, M. P., Gerber, B., Goldstein, R. E., Labato, M. A., Lappin, M. R., & Moore, G. E. (2018). ACVIM consensus update on Lyme borreliosis in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 32(3), 887–903. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15085
  • Picado, R., Baptista, C. J., Meneses, A., Legatti, S., Fonseca, J., & Belas, A. (2024). Lyme disease in companion animals: An updated state-of-art and current situation in Portugal. Veterinary Research Communications, 48(6), 3551–3561. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-024-10532-8
  • Hovius, K. E., van den Bergen, T., Almalik, O., Versmissen, E., Rutten, V. P., Sprong, H., & Hovius, J. W. (2025). Clinical canine Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) infections are associated with highly elevated total IgG ELISA titers and convalescent Th2 immune responses. Current Research in Parasitology & Vector-Borne Diseases, 7, Article 100258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100258
  • Pretsch, P. K., Tyrlik-Olk, A., Lund, R. B., & Gettings, J. R. (2024). Rapid increase in seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies among dogs, northwestern North Carolina, USA, 2017–2021. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 30(10), 2114–2123. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3010.240526
  • Galluzzo, P., Grippi, F., Di Bella, S., Santangelo, F., Sciortino, S., Castiglia, A., Sciacca, C., Arnone, M., Alduina, R., & Chiarenza, G. (2020). Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in stray dogs from Southern Italy. Microorganisms, 8(11), Article 1688. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8111688
  • Liu, Y., Nordone, S. K., Yabsley, M. J., Lund, R. B., McMahan, C. S., & Gettings, J. R. (2019). Quantifying the relationship between human Lyme disease and Borrelia burgdorferi exposure in domestic dogs. Geospatial Health, 14(1), Article 750. https://doi.org/10.4081/gh.2019.750
  • Vogt, N. A., & Stevens, C. P. G. (2021). Why the rationale for canine Borrelia burgdorferi vaccination is unpersuasive. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8, Article 719060. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.719060
  • American Animal Hospital Association. (2022). 2022 AAHA canine vaccination guidelines: Borrelia (Lyme disease). American Animal Hospital Association. https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/borrelia-lyme-disease/
  • Littman, M. P., Gerber, B., Goldstein, R. E., Labato, M. A., Lappin, M. R., & Moore, G. E. (2018). ACVIM consensus update on Lyme borreliosis in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 32(3), 887–903. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15085
  • Picado, R., Baptista, C. J., Meneses, A., Legatti, S., Fonseca, J., & Belas, A. (2024). Lyme disease in companion animals: An updated state-of-art and current situation in Portugal. Veterinary Research Communications, 48(6), 3551–3561. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-024-10532-8
  • Hovius, K. E., van den Bergen, T., Almalik, O., Versmissen, E., Rutten, V. P., Sprong, H., & Hovius, J. W. (2025). Clinical canine Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) infections are associated with highly elevated total IgG ELISA titers and convalescent Th2 immune responses. Current Research in Parasitology & Vector-Borne Diseases, 7, Article 100258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100258
  • Pretsch, P. K., Tyrlik-Olk, A., Lund, R. B., & Gettings, J. R. (2024). Rapid increase in seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies among dogs, northwestern North Carolina, USA, 2017–2021. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 30(10), 2114–2123. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3010.240526
  • Galluzzo, P., Grippi, F., Di Bella, S., Santangelo, F., Sciortino, S., Castiglia, A., Sciacca, C., Arnone, M., Alduina, R., & Chiarenza, G. (2020). Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in stray dogs from Southern Italy. Microorganisms, 8(11), Article 1688. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8111688
  • Liu, Y., Nordone, S. K., Yabsley, M. J., Lund, R. B., McMahan, C. S., & Gettings, J. R. (2019). Quantifying the relationship between human Lyme disease and Borrelia burgdorferi exposure in domestic dogs. Geospatial Health, 14(1), Article 750. https://doi.org/10.4081/gh.2019.750
  • Vogt, N. A., & Stevens, C. P. G. (2021). Why the rationale for canine Borrelia burgdorferi vaccination is unpersuasive. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8, Article 719060. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.719060
  • American Animal Hospital Association. (2022). 2022 AAHA canine vaccination guidelines: Borrelia (Lyme disease). American Animal Hospital Association. https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/borrelia-lyme-disease/