What is the prognosis of Lyme disease in dogs?
Dogs with Lyme disease are often able to carry the disease in their body without showing any symptoms. However, there are a number of common symptoms to look out for as the disease progresses in dogs:
If your dog is showing any symptoms of Lyme disease, contact your vet to get them examined.
Lyme disease is treatable, but if unnoticed can cause kidney failure or even be fatal. Untreated Lyme disease can also cause long-lasting cardiac and neurological issues.
How is Lyme disease treated in dogs?
Treatment for Lyme disease in dogs usually involves a course of antibiotics which will last for 4 weeks or longer (the antibiotic Doxycycline is typically a first-choice option). If your pooch seems to be experiencing a lot of pain, your vet may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help alleviate joint pain.
Can my dog recover from Lyme disease?
If you are able to detect the disease early, symptoms should disappear within the first 3 days of your pups treatment.
However, while treatment is usually very effective at eliminating signs of Lyme disease, dogs with Lyme disease can remain positive for the rest of their lives. If your dog tests positive for Lyme disease but is not showing any symptoms, your vet may not recommend treatment.
Most dogs infected with Lyme disease will eventually develop arthritis.
However, potentially serious kidney issues can result from a dog carrying Lyme disease. It is easy for these problems to go unnoticed until it is too late. If your vet identified that your dogs kidneys have been affected by Lyme disease, they will be able to monitor and treat the condition before more serious problems arise.
Lyme disease in the dog. Dr. Dan explains Lyme disease
Lyme disease has become increasingly common in humans, and as a result, many pet owners have become concerned about Lyme disease in dogs. While this tick-borne illness is serious, it doesn’t have to be a deadly one for our canine companions. That said, dog owners still need to be quite vigilant and responsible about taking proper precautions to prevent and treat Lyme disease in their pets. Here’s everything you need to know about Lyme disease in dogs – so you can stay informed and prepared. (And let’s face it – calm. Because it is a major concern!)