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Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Prevention & Support

It’s that time of year again wood ticks are back in full force, bringing with them the possibility of Lyme disease. One of the most common causes of Lyme disease is a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterium is transmitted through the bite and feeding of an infected tick. When an infected tick attaches to a host, the bacteria can begin transmitting within 24–48 hours.

Not every animal or person infected with B. burgdorferi will develop Lyme disease. If your dog has been exposed to ticks or begins showing signs of illness, it’s important to contact your veterinarian for proper testing and treatment.

Lyme Disease in Dogs

Wapiti Labs offers a line of holistic animal supplements designed to support your pet’s overall wellness. Explore our dog supplements and learn more about our approach to natural pet wellness.

What to Look For

Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs may include:

  • Lethargy
  • Lameness in one or more limbs
  • Fever
  • One or more swollen joints
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Reduced appetite
  • General discomfort

A smaller percentage of dogs infected with B. burgdorferi can develop Lyme nephritis, an inflammatory kidney condition. Dogs experiencing kidney-related complications may show weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, and reduced appetite. Increased water consumption and more frequent urination may also occur.

If your dog develops unusual symptoms or seems significantly unwell, consult your veterinarian promptly.

How to Prevent Lyme Disease

There is no way to completely eliminate your dog’s risk of Lyme disease, but you can take several steps to reduce exposure to infected ticks.

1. Use Tick Prevention

Use a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventative throughout the year. Tick activity can occur during warmer periods, including winter days when temperatures rise above freezing and there is little or no snow cover.

2. Check Your Dog for Ticks

Check your dog regularly, particularly after spending time outdoors, hiking, or walking through wooded or grassy areas. Pay close attention to areas around the ears, neck, paws, and between the toes.

Prompt tick removal can reduce the opportunity for disease transmission.

3. Talk to Your Veterinarian About Vaccination

If you live in an area where Lyme disease is common, discuss Lyme vaccination with your veterinarian. Your vet can determine whether vaccination is appropriate based on your dog’s lifestyle, location, and exposure risk.

Maintaining overall wellness is also important. Explore Wapiti Labs supplements for dogs for additional nutritional support.

Which Wapiti Labs Products Can Support Your Pet?

Wapiti Labs offers several formulas designed to support normal wellness and healthy body function. These products are not substitutes for veterinary diagnosis or treatment of Lyme disease, but they may be incorporated into an overall wellness routine with guidance from your veterinarian.

Mobility

Wapiti Labs Mobility Formula combines Elk Velvet Antler and herbs to support normal joint function, flexibility, mobility, and overall wellness. Learn more about our Wapiti products and explore options designed for active and aging pets.

Strength

Our Strength Formula is designed to support dogs and cats in maintaining normal strength, stamina, and overall condition. It combines Elk Velvet Antler with natural herbs as part of a comprehensive wellness routine.

Recuperate

Recuperate is formulated to support the body’s normal recovery processes and healthy inflammatory response. It can be considered as part of an overall wellness program for pets when recommended by a veterinarian.

GI Tract

Our GI Tract formula is designed to support normal digestive function and gastrointestinal wellness. Maintaining healthy digestion can be an important part of supporting your pet’s overall health.

For more information about Wapiti Labs products, visit  Our Products.

Supporting Your Dog’s Overall Wellness

Tick prevention is only one part of maintaining your dog’s health. Regular veterinary examinations, a nutritious diet, appropriate exercise, parasite prevention, and proper grooming can all contribute to your dog’s overall well-being.

Wapiti Labs provides natural wellness products for different stages and needs. In addition to our dog supplements, you can explore our cat supplements, horse supplements, and supplements for people.

If you’re looking for natural animal products beyond supplements, explore our elk antler chews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs?

Common symptoms can include lethargy, lameness, fever, swollen joints, enlarged lymph nodes, reduced appetite, and general discomfort. Some infected dogs may show few or no obvious symptoms, which is why veterinary testing can be important when exposure is suspected.

How do dogs get Lyme disease?

Dogs can develop Lyme disease after being bitten by an infected tick carrying Borrelia burgdorferi. Dogs are more likely to encounter ticks when spending time in wooded, grassy, or brush-covered areas.

Can Lyme disease be prevented in dogs?

The risk can be reduced through veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives, regular tick checks, prompt removal of attached ticks, and vaccination when appropriate. Talk with your veterinarian about the best prevention plan for your dog.

Should a dog with Lyme disease see a veterinarian?

Yes. If you suspect your dog has Lyme disease or your dog develops symptoms after possible tick exposure, contact a veterinarian. Lyme disease can affect different parts of the body, and professional testing and treatment are important.

Can supplements support a dog’s overall wellness?

Certain supplements can provide nutritional support as part of a dog’s overall wellness routine. However, supplements should not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment for Lyme disease or other serious conditions. Talk with your veterinarian before adding a new supplement to your dog’s diet.

Find Wapiti Labs Products Today

Wapiti Labs is committed to helping pet owners support their animals with naturally focused wellness products. Explore our Wapiti Labs products, browse our dog supplements, or visit our full product collection to learn more.

For additional information about Wapiti Labs, visit our homepage.

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