What to Know Before Adopting a Dog with Lyme Disease

Adopting a dog with Lyme disease may seem intimidating, but ultimately it’s a rewarding experience — because you’re providing a loving home to a pet in need of extra support. The good news is that the vast majority of dogs who test positive lead normal lives. 

Understanding the implications of canine Lyme disease will prepare you to properly manage the condition (with the help of your veterinarian, of course). Regular vet visits and spotting any symptoms as soon as they occur can help keep your pup happy and healthy.

How does a dog get Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is transmitted through a bite from black-legged ticks, Ixodes scapularis (also called deer ticks) and Ixodes pacificus. These ticks can carry the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. When a tick carrying this bacteria bites a dog, this causes Lyme disease. Ticks typically need to be attached to a dog for 24 to 48 hours for the disease to be transmitted but it can take several months before a dog shows symptoms of being infected. The risk is greatly reduced if the tick is removed from the dog it has latched onto within 24 hours.

Black-legged ticks are found in forests, grasslands, and bushes, especially if there are also white-tailed deer there. Any dog can be infected with Lyme disease, but it is more prevalent in the Northeastern part of the United States. One in 20 dogs who are tested for Lyme disease in the United States tests positive. While preventative measures can greatly decrease the chance of infection, none of them are 100 percent guaranteed to prevent a dog from contracting the disease. 

Adopting a dog with Lyme disease 

Considering adopting a dog diagnosed with Lyme disease? There are a few things you should know. While dogs with Lyme disease can lead happy and relatively normal lives, knowing more about this disease will help you be prepared to provide the appropriate level of care and monitoring that they will need.

Special health considerations

• Dogs with Lyme disease are not contagious: They will not spread the disease to other dogs or people, so this should not be a concern.

• Dogs with Lyme disease may require more frequent veterinary visits: For instance, be prepared to regularly monitor your dog for Lyme disease symptoms as well as arthritis (an increased risk that comes with the disease), both of which may require medications.

• Make plans for pet expenses: Having a dog can be expensive, and with more potential for vet visits and medications, dogs with Lyme disease are no exception.

Questions to ask before adopting a dog with Lyme disease

1. You’ll want to know when they tested positive for Lyme disease, and if they have shown symptoms of the infection. 

2. If the infection was recent, ask if they were on antibiotics (and if so, when and for how long). 

3. Ask about any signs of kidney damage from Lyme disease. This information will inform you of the need to administer medications when you adopt your new dog, which issues and symptoms you will need to monitor, and if their lifespan may be negatively affected by severe kidney damage. 

How to treat a dog with Lyme disease 

A dog who tests positive for Lyme disease usually only requires treatment if they are showing symptoms. If you’re wondering how to treat dogs with Lyme disease, it’s usually straightforward. 

Medicine for dogs with Lyme disease 

Dogs who are showing symptoms of Lyme disease will need veterinarian-prescribed medicine. Since Lyme disease is caused by bacteria, an antibiotic called doxycycline is routinely given for about four weeks, alongside a course of pain medications to help keep the dog comfortable. If a Lyme-positive dog also develops a rare (less than two percent) kidney disease called Lyme nephritis, a variety of other medicines will also be needed. 

Lyme disease treatment for dogs

While most Lyme-positive dogs who are exhibiting symptoms simply require antibiotics and pain medications, some dogs need more extensive treatments. The rare dogs with Lyme nephritis will need several days of hospitalization with IV fluids, regular monitoring of blood pressure, nutritional support, and a number of medications. 

How long can a dog live with Lyme disease? 

You’ll be relieved to know that Lyme disease doesn’t typically alter the lifespan of a dog, even though they will always test positive for the disease. But, severe arthritis, if not managed over time, may impact a dog’s lifespan.

Caring for a dog with Lyme disease

Adopting a dog diagnosed with Lyme disease brings a daily life filled with walks, cuddles, and playtime, just like any other dog. But because canine Lyme disease can sometimes cause other health issues, some special at-home care may be required. Keeping your Lyme-positive dog comfortable, preventing reinfection, and managing chronic conditions resulting from the initial infection are your priorities. Here are six tips for caring for a dog with Lyme disease.

1. Provide a healthy diet for your dog with Lyme disease

Dogs with Lyme disease can usually eat regular dog food but some may benefit from a special diet. Since arthritis often develops in dogs diagnosed with Lyme disease, a diet rich in supplements to help maintain joint health may be warranted. Additionally, dogs with kidney damage due to Lyme disease or other medical concerns may need special diets. Before making any changes to your Lyme-positive dog’s diet, consult a veterinarian.

2. Exercise and activity levels for dogs with Lyme disease

Once treatment is complete, a Lyme-positive dog should be able to lead a normal, active life. Regular mental and physical exercise is important for all dogs, but will vary by breed. If a Lyme-positive dog has developed arthritis, they may need a little extra attention. This may include providing steps to help them get onto furniture, encouraging them to swim instead of high-impact running, and going on regular walks to keep them moving (and avoid additional harm to their joints).

3. Schedule regular check-ups and monitoring

A dog who tests positive for Lyme disease will always test positive, but that doesn’t mean you should stop monitoring for symptoms of reinfection or arthritis. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian should include full physical examinations along with urine and blood screenings. At-home monitoring should include looking out for symptoms such as limping, lethargy, joint swelling, fever, decreased appetite, and swollen lymph nodes. 

4. Use Lyme disease prevention for dogs

Administering a tick preventative year-round can help prevent reinfections that may require treatment. The same symptoms that occurred when your dog was initially infected can reoccur or new and more serious symptoms may arise. Tick preventatives come in the form of topical and oral medications which may be effective for one to several months. 

5. Avoid high tick areas

Another way to help prevent reinfections of Lyme disease in dogs is to avoid outside areas where ticks are more likely to live. This may mean taking walks on sidewalks, streets, and mowed lawns instead of hiking in the woods or tall grasses. 

6. Keep your yard well-maintained

It’s also a good idea to clean out excessive brush and bushes from your dog’s yard and keep your grass mowed. This won’t eliminate all ticks, but will make these areas less appealing to them — decreasing the chances of a tick latching onto your dog.

Commonly asked questions

Is there a vaccine for Lyme disease?

A vaccine for Lyme disease is also available, but it only lasts for about six months. This inoculation offers a less-than-ideal level of protection and may cause a moderate amount of side effects. Because of this, not all veterinarians will recommend the vaccine: Discuss which preventative options are best for your Lyme-positive dog during their next vet check-up.

Does Lyme nephritis impact a dog’s lifespan?

Yes, a dog diagnosed with Lyme nephritis (which causes permanent kidney damage) may not survive, even with treatment.

References

Animal Health Diagnostic Center: Lyme Disease 

Blacklegged Tick

The Increasing Risk of Lyme Disease in Canada

Lyme Disease

Lyme Nephritis Review

Ticks and Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Ticks & Pets

Vaccinating Dogs Against Lyme Disease: Two Points of View