Lyme Disease in Pets: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Lyme disease isn’t just a human concern—it can seriously affect your pets, too. At Partners Animal Hospital Greenville, we often see cases during the warmer months when ticks are most active. Understanding how Lyme disease spreads and how to prevent it is key to protecting your pets all year long.

What Causes Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks). Pets become infected when a tick attaches and feeds for 24–48 hours. Dogs are most at risk, though cats can occasionally be affected as well. 

Symptoms to Watch For

In dogs, symptoms of Lyme disease can be subtle at first and may take weeks to appear. Common signs include:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Swollen joints or lameness (often shifting from leg to leg)
• Decreased appetite
• Enlarged lymph nodes

In more serious cases, Lyme disease can lead to kidney problems or neurological issues.

Diagnosing and Treating Lyme

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, history of tick exposure, and a blood test to detect antibodies. If your dog tests positive and shows symptoms, treatment usually includes a course of antibiotics. Many dogs recover fully with prompt treatment, but some may have lingering joint discomfort.

Prevention Is the Best Protection

Preventing tick bites is the best way to keep your pet safe. Here’s what we recommend:

• Use a veterinarian-approved tick preventive year-round (we’re happy to provide recommendations as we carry different types of prevention)
• Using tick prevention monthly will help pets stay immune to tick-borne diseases vs only using preventative in the summer months.
• Check your pet for ticks daily, especially after outdoor activities
• Keep grass trimmed and leaf litter cleared from your yard
• Avoid wooded, brushy areas with tall grass
• Vaccinate your dog if they are frequently exposed to tick-prone environments

If you ever find a tick on your pet, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers and monitor your pet for symptoms.

Let’s Stay One Step Ahead of Ticks

If you’re not sure whether your pet is protected, schedule a visit with our team. We’ll help you choose the best tick prevention for your pet’s lifestyle—and keep them healthy and active all year long. Call us at (864) 740-8662 or Book an Appointment Today!