Although Florida is not a U.S. Lyme disease hotbed, many Floridians visit northern states with their pets or live up north during part of the year, where tick populations and Lyme disease risk are much higher. To learn how to protect your four-legged friend from this tick-borne threat, read our Advanced Veterinary Care of Pasco team’s guide that describes how your pet can pick up Lyme disease and the signs they might show.

How Lyme disease is transmitted to pets

Lyme disease is transmitted through an infected black-legged, or deer, tick’s bite. These ticks commonly inhabit wooded or grassy areas, making outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, or playing in the backyard, potential sources of exposure for pets. Tick populations are higher in the Northern U.S., so if you travel with your pet, be aware that Lyme disease exposure is more likely in northern states. However, as this distribution map shows, Lyme disease is also a concern for Florida pets. 

When an infected tick attaches to a pet—or a person—and feeds on the host’s blood, the tick can transmit the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. However, the tick must remain attached for 48 hours to pass the bacterium, so prompt identification and removal are essential for preventing disease transmission.

Lyme disease signs in pets

Recognizing Lyme disease signs in pets can be challenging, as they vary widely and may not appear until weeks or months after infection. Common signs include:

  • Lameness — Lameness or limping that often shifts from one leg to another is a hallmark Lyme disease sign in pets. This lameness is typically caused by joint inflammation.
  • Swollen joints — In addition to lameness, pets with Lyme disease may experience swelling, tenderness, and warmth in the affected joints. Pets may also be reluctant to run, jump, or climb stairs because of joint pain.
  • Fever — Pets with Lyme disease often develop a persistent fever, which may fluctuate over time. 
  • Decreased appetite — Lyme disease can cause pets to lose their appetite, especially if they are suffering from joint pain or fever.
  • Lethargy — If your pet has Lyme disease, they may become lethargic, appearing less interested in activities they normally enjoy. 
  • Lymph node enlargement — In some cases, pets with Lyme disease may develop enlarged lymph nodes, particularly nodes near the tick bite or in the neck region. Swollen lymph nodes may feel firm or be tender to the touch.

Although uncommon, Lyme disease can also damage your pet’s kidneys. Keep an eye out for signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, and increased thirst and urination. 

How Lyme disease in pets is diagnosed

Diagnosing Lyme disease in pets requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account signs, tick exposure history, and specific lab tests. Most commonly, a complete blood cell count (CBC), blood chemistry tests, and a urinalysis are performed, along with a specialized, in-house test that detects antibodies against the Lyme bacterium. Together, these tests check for infection and inflammation, Borrelia burgdorferi presence, and kidney function. Early detection and treatment are essential for minimizing potential Lyme disease complications and promoting a favorable outcome for your furry companion. 

How Lyme disease in pets is treated

Lyme disease treatment typically involves a month-long antibiotic course. In some cases, additional medications may be necessary to manage a pet’s pain or inflammation associated with the disease.

Despite treatment, antibiotics do not always fully eliminate the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. If this occurs, the bacterium can harbor in the kidneys and cause signs to recur, in addition to potentially leading to kidney disease.

How to prevent Lyme disease in pets

Preventive measures are key to keeping your pet safe from Lyme disease. To reduce your pet’s tick bite and disease risk, follow these tips:

  • Administer tick prevention — Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products such as topical treatments or oral medications. These products can help repel ticks and kill them before they can transmit disease to your pet.
  • Check for ticks — After spending time outdoors, thoroughly inspect your pet for ticks, paying close attention to areas such as the ears, neck, and between the toes.
  • Visit tick-free environments — Limit your pet’s exposure to wooded or grassy areas where ticks are prevalent, and maintain your yard to discourage ticks and their wildlife hosts from setting up residence.
  • Consider vaccination — Talk to your Advanced Veterinary Care of Pasco veterinarian about vaccinating your pet for Lyme disease. While not 100% effective, vaccination can reduce the infection’s severity, and provide additional protection if your pet has already been diagnosed with Lyme disease.

By staying informed and taking proactive measures to prevent Lyme disease, you can help defend your four-legged friend against the threat posed by black-legged ticks. Consult with our Advanced Veterinary Care of Pasco team to determine which Lyme disease preventive measures are most appropriate for your pet.