What are the first signs of Lyme disease in dogs?
Lurline Beier
2025-08-02 20:58:24
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: 17
In many cases, dogs in this early stage will show no visible symptoms after all. However, in some instances, a localized skin reaction might occur at the site of the tick bite. This could manifest as a small, red bump or rash. It is essential to note that this reaction is often subtle and easily overlooked, especially in dogs with thick fur. Because symptoms are often absent or mild and non-specific during this early stage, Lyme disease is notoriously difficult to detect at this point. The most common hallmark of this stage in dogs is intermittent lameness, often described as “shifting leg lameness.” This means the lameness may appear in one leg, resolve, and then reappear in a different leg. Other potential symptoms during this stage can include lethargy, fever, and a decreased appetite.
Yoshiko Ruecker
2025-08-02 19:57:52
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: 9
Lyme disease tends to cause a variety of vague symptoms, which vary from pet to pet depending on where the bacteria spread. Symptoms of Lyme disease tend to be vague, come and go, and vary from pet to pet. Symptoms include: Limping and swollen joints – usually this starts in the joint closest to the tick-bite site, then shifts from leg to leg. Fever (high temperature) Lethargy (low energy) Swollen lymph nodes (glands) Reduced appetite Nerve problems Drinking and weeing more. Pets don’t tend to get the classic ‘bulls eye/target’ lesion that humans get if bitten by a tick with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is very rare in cats, and if it does occur, symptoms tend to be very mild, and sometimes not even noticeable.
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