Last Updated on January 15, 2026 by Melanie Haynes
Experts believe there has been an estimated total of 450 human cases of Lyme disease in Brevard County in the last 16 years. But it is our dogs that are the number one hosts of Lyme disease. Luckily, Lyme disease is not something you can catch from your dog, but it is a disease that is recognizable, preventable, and, for the most part, avoidable.
Lyme disease in dogs is a significant concern for pet owners, and understanding its impact is crucial.
Letโs dive into the facts about canine Lyme disease and what we can do to help prevent it.ย This article will also cover the importance of recognizing early signs of Lyme disease in dogs.
Awareness of Lyme disease in dogs can lead to early detection and better health outcomes.
Understanding the Impact of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Recognizing the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs can help you seek timely veterinary care.
Lyme disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and people.ย It takes 1-2 days for a tick to transmit Lyme disease to you or your dog. Fortunately, no other animals besides the hard-shelled Deer tick can transmit Lyme disease.
Prevention strategies against Lyme disease in dogs are essential for maintaining your petโs health.
Interestingly, the disease actually starts as a bacterial infection. That bacterium interacts with the tickโs gut microbiome and then causes Lyme disease. Afterward, it can be carried from host to host by multiple ticks. So remember to spend some time tick-checking your hiking partner anytime you are in tall grass or wooded areas.
Warning Signs of Lyme Disease in Your Dog
In dogs, Lyme disease has a myriad of symptoms. Sometimes there arenโt any symptoms, and a consultation with your dogโs veterinarian is the only way to diagnose the condition. But if you remove a tick from your dog, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for any changes in behavior. Below is a list of some obvious symptoms to keep in mind.
Be vigilant about the signs of Lyme disease in dogs, especially during tick season.
- Most Common: Stiff joints that can appear to be switching places and an arched back.
- Common: Sensitivity to touch or soreness, either at the site or on the body, like arthritic aches and pains.
- Common: Enlarged lymph nodes.
- Rare: Difficulty breathing, blue gums, labored panting, gasping for air.
- Rare: Fever; taken rectally, a dogโs temperature should be between 100.01 โ 102.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rare: Kidney failure and death.
If you see any symptoms or are concerned that your dog may have Lyme disease, contact your veterinarian.ย There is a simple, same-day blood test that most offices can perform. It is there to give pet parents peace of mind and to catch any health issues your pet may have sooner rather than later.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Dog From Lyme Disease?
Your veterinarian can provide more information about Lyme disease in dogs and preventive measures.
As a pet parent, you want to protect your furbaby to the very best of your ability. Thank you so much for that! Protecting your dog before there is a problem is one of the most significant puzzle pieces in animal healthcare. As responsible dog sitters, we agree.
Did you know there is a Lyme vaccine available? However, only a veterinarian can administer this vaccine. You can talk with your trusted veterinarian to see if the vaccine is right for your pet. While you are there, ask the staff to check for ticks. Their trained eyes know where ticks love to dine, plus they will love having an excuse to rub all over your furbaby.
Since it is rare for the weather here in Melbourne, Florida, to get below freezing, ticks in this area do not hibernate. So year-round tick prevention is critical.
Understanding the risks of Lyme disease in dogs will help you make informed choices for your pet.
Many oral flea preventions also contain tick prevention. This means that the moment the tick takes a blood meal, it dies and cannot transmit Lyme disease. And that is fantastic news! It is important to note that not all flea preventives also protect against ticks, so double-check to see what you are giving.
Another great product for tick control is the Seresto Collar. The manufacturer boasts that it kills attached ticks within 48 hours. But the big seller is that it also repels ticks. IT is the only over-the-counter flea and tick control that is recommended by veterinarians.
As an additional precaution, our team here at Space Coast Pet Service is consciously aware of where your pet is walking. Sometimes the best we can do is avoid a problem altogether.
Regular tick checks are crucial to prevent Lyme disease in dogs from affecting their health.
Tallgrass is a lovely home for ticks; look carefully, and you can see the welcome mats. They hang out near the tops of long blades of grass, or on the tips of low-hanging leaves, and wait patiently to catch a ride on their next meal. It is best to keep home lawns and shrubbery well-maintained so you can let your pet frolic outside without worry.
Maintaining a tick-free environment is key to reducing the risk of Lyme disease in dogs.
While you are away from your pet, breathe easy knowing weโve got your back. Our pet and house sitters understand what to look for to keep your pets safe. Our dog boarding and pet sitting areas are well-maintained. So together we can give the very best care to your best friend.
Contact us for more information on preventing Lyme disease in dogs and keeping your pet healthy.
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