Lyme Disease In Dogs Is On the Rise: Here's What You Need to Know

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  July 25th, 2022
Igor Chus/Shutterstock

Exploring the great outdoors with your best friend by your side is one of the best activities you can do in the summer – but there are a few things you should have in mind to ensure your pet’s safety and wellbeing while you’re out and about. One of the most important is to protect your pet from ticks, who carry Lyme disease and can infect your pooch with a single bite and cause serious health issues.


Unfortunately, veterinarians are seeing a spike in Lyme disease cases this year, with a new infection reported each day – a significant increase when compared to the previous summer. Dr. Julia Lucas, from Cumberland Animal Clinic, attributes the rising numbers to higher temperatures, as warmer weather caused ticks to become active earlier in the year. She also mentioned that many people adopted their first dog in the pandemic, so they might not know how to properly protect their pets from these blood-sucking pests.


Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned dog parent or a first-time owner, you should brush up on the symptoms and methods of prevention of Lyme disease in dogs, to make sure you and your four-legged bestie have a great time this summer – with no unnecessary trips to the vet’s office.


What Is Lyme Disease?


Also known as Lyme borreliosis, this bacterial disease is transmitted from ticks to humans, dogs, and other animals. Not all ticks are Lyme disease carriers, though – in the US, species that are most likely to be infectious are the black-legged tick (deer tick), and western black-legged tick. For the tick to infect your pet, it has to be attached to them for at least 24 to 48 hours. While not fatal on its own for canines, if left untreated Lyme disease can lead to death due to kidney failure.


Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs


You might have not even noticed the tick attached to your pet’s body – but if you notice any of these symptoms, you’ll want to take your pet to the vet and get them tested for Lyme disease.


  • Lameness due to joint inflammation
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swollen joints and/or lymph nodes
  • Cardiac and neurological issues
  • Kidney failure


It’s important to note that not all dogs who are infected with Lyme disease will display symptoms of the illness – sometimes, the body just fights off the infection on its own, without it progressing to actually affect your pet’s health. Even so, if you notice any unusual behavior that matches symptoms of Lyme disease or you’ve noticed a deer tick attached to your dog’s skin, it pays to contact a vet and get an early start with treatment.


Is Lyme Disease in Dogs Treatable?


The usual course of action for treating Lyme disease in dogs is putting them on antibiotics for 30 days to fight off the bacterial infection. However, depending on your pet’s specific symptoms (e.g. swelling or issues with kidneys), additional therapies might be required to help treat the issues that have arisen as a result of the infection.


How to Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs


You know what they say – better safe than sorry! The key to avoiding a potentially serious health scare with your pet and expensive vet bills is to make sure your pet isn’t bitten by a tick in the first place. Luckily, that’s not all that hard, with a range of products aimed at repelling and killing ticks as soon as they come into contact with your pet’s skin. Whether it’s waterproof collars, topical treatments, or chewables, the choice is yours – as long as it keeps your furbaby safe on your outdoor adventures.


Additionally, you should always make sure to thoroughly check your dog (and yourself) for signs of ticks every time you come home from your walk. Ticks can be found just about anywhere, from patches of grass to thick shrubs, so it’s smart to be on the lookout for these tiny parasites. If you happen to notice a tick attached to your pet, remove it as soon as possible, as the longer it's feeding, the higher the chance for the transmission of Lyme disease.

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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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There is nothing that feels cozier than autumn. As the evenings become chillier and the leaves turn into vibrant shades of orange, we all get into that fall mood and reach for our favorite treats – such as a yummy pumpkin spice latte! And now, thanks to the limited-edition dental chews from GREENIES, your pet can enjoy the same cinnamony, pumpkin flavor you look forward to each year. Specially crafted for the autumn season, these one-of-a-kind chews are designed to give your pet a taste of fall while promoting healthy teeth and fresh breath all the while. 

Is It Normal for a Dog to Lose Appetite in Summer?

As the temperatures rise and the hot summer months roll in, some dog owners observe a change in their pet’s eating habits. If you notice that your pet is eating less than usual when it gets really hot outside, it’s only natural if you’re concerned about their health. However, understanding the real reasons behind this “seasonal change” can help you worry less and care for your pet as best you can. Is It Normal for a Dog to Lose Appetite in Summer?The reason why some dogs can lose appetite in the summer is simple: heat. Just like us humans, dogs too can feel lethargic, lazy, and less energetic when the heat is stifling. And, naturally, as their energy levels are decreased, they have a reduced need for caloric intake to replenish it. This is one of their “old” inherent traits from the wild: animals will adjust their food intake based on their energy requirements and the available resources. So, as your pooch doesn’t spend energy, preferring to snooze, they will not need to consume so much food to replenish it.Still, heat can cause some physiological changes that could affect your pet’s appetite. Hot summer months bring high temperatures that will slow the digestive process of dogs, making them feel full for longer. What is more, during this time dogs will drink a lot more water (as we humans do), which can also make them feel full and not hungry. Remember that hydration is important in the summer, as it helps regulate body temperature. Always make sure that your pet has access to fresh water, even when you are not home. This “self-replenishing” dog water dispenser is a great thing to have, as it will make sure that your pet always has access to clean, fresh water even when you’re away at work.

10 Foods That Are Bad for Dogs
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How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Harness?

Enjoying a leisurely walk or adventurous hike with your dog is an incredible way to spend quality time together and strengthen your bond. However, a dog that pulls and lacks leash manners can quickly turn this fun experience upside down.While collars have long been the standard for walking, many veterinarians and trainers are now sharing the benefits of using a harness. They are generally safer and more comfortable for dogs of all ages.However, not every dog will instantly take to wearing a harness the first time they are introduced.In this guide, I will walk you through the steps of introducing a harness to your dog, building positive associations, and setting both you and your dog up for long-term success. From choosing the right harness to mastering the process of putting it on, you’ll be prepared to hit the pavement with your canine companion in style and comfort.What Are the Benefits of Using a Harness?Let's take a step back before I walk you through training your dog to wear a harness. Why should you consider using a harness for your dog? What benefits does it offer over a typical collar?The most significant difference between a collar and a harness, and the reason why most veterinarians and dog trainers recommend harnesses, is the risk of injury. When your dog wears a collar, all pressure is put directly on their throat. If your dog pulls or tries to take off after a temptation (like a squirrel or to play with another dog), the pressure on their throat can cause significant damage. In the most severe cases, the impact of the collar on your dog’s throat can cause a life-threatening injury.Harnesses, on the other hand (or the other paw), disperse the pressure across your dog’s chest. Not only is this a more extensive area, but it’s better suited for handling this pressure without injuries (assuming the harness is properly fit to your dog).Depending on the activities you plan to enjoy with your dog, a harness could introduce additional features. This could include harnesses and support to assist a senior dog with mobility, a cooling harness for hot summer days, a harness with built-in backpacks to carry their gear while hiking, seatbelt attachments for safe car travel, and more. What Age Should Your Dog Start Wearing a Harness?Eight weeks old is the earliest age you should put a harness onto a young puppy. At this age, puppies are generally very open to new skills and experiences, making it the perfect time to introduce something new. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t train your dog to wear a harness if you are considering making this change later in life. Many adults and even senior dogs learn to wear and love their harnesses with a bit of time and a little patience.How Long Does It Take a Dog to Get Used to a Harness? The time it will take for your dog to get used to a harness will vary from dog to dog. Some pups will accept the harness quickly, comfortably wearing it and running around confidently right away. However, this isn’t true for every dog.If your dog is older and set in their ways or nervous when faced with new experiences, working through these steps may take a lot longer. Be patient and focus on creating a positive association with the harness by introducing praise and rewards. Allow your dog to set the pace, moving from one step to the next only when they are ready. This is the best way to set them up for long-term success (the ultimate goal).How to Train Your Dog to Wear a Harness: Step-By-StepBefore you start training, take a moment to consider what motivates your dog. While most dogs can be motivated with high-value treats, you may find your dog is better inspired to try something new with the offer of playtime with a favorite toy or even with simple praise and attention from you, their person. Knowing this is the secret to training success!Step One – Choosing a HarnessThe first thing to consider is the style of harness best suited for your dog. There are several factors to consider when shopping for the right harness. This includes your dog’s size, the weight of the harness, the adjustability, the material, how easy it is to clean, and any special features the harness may offer.You may even need to consider different harnesses for different situations. For example, you may prefer a classic nylon harness for walks around the block with your pup. However, if you are planning a challenging hike, your dog may be better served by a stronger and more supportive adventure harness with a handle to assist with any obstacles along the way.Finding the correct harness is essential, as your training will focus on making that specific harness a positive trigger for your dog. For the training process to be effective, this harness should be used.Step Two – Introduce the HarnessIn the early stages of training, you’re not going to put the harness on your dog. Instead, you want to give them a chance to check it out and realize it’s not something to be afraid of.To begin, place the harness on the ground in the comfort of your own home. Allow your dog to sniff at it and look it over. As they interact with the harness, occasionally offer praise or a treat. This will start to introduce the idea that the harness brings good things.When you see that they give the harness no more interest than a rug or your shoes (assuming they don’t chew your shoes), you can move on to the next step.

Ce n'est pas possible! French Actor Wants To be Buried with Pet Dog

Famed film actor Alain Delon's death triggers uproar over a special request.

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