Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month: A Scientific Look at Protecting Canine Health

Lyme Disease in Dogs is a growing concern in many regions, especially during warmer months when ticks are most active. As May marks Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, it's an ideal time to explore the science behind Lyme disease, how it affects dogs, and the most effective strategies for prevention.

Tick extracted from dog

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the spirochete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted primarily by the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the deer tick. Once attached and feeding, infected ticks can transmit the bacterium to dogs within 24–48 hours.

After entering the bloodstream, B. burgdorferi can disseminate to joints, connective tissues, and organs, triggering a range of clinical signs, including:

• Lameness that may shift from leg to leg

• Fever

• Lethargy

• Swollen joints or lymph nodes

• In severe cases, Lyme nephritis (a rare but serious kidney condition)

The Science Behind Transmission

Ticks have a complex three-stage life cycle: larva, nymph, and adult. The nymphal stage is most often responsible for Lyme transmission due to its small size and high feeding activity in late spring and early summer.

After a tick attaches, B. burgdorferi migrates from the tick’s midgut to its salivary glands, entering the host through saliva. The bacterium's unique outer surface proteins (Osps) allow it to evade the immune system and establish infection. This immune evasion contributes to chronic inflammation and tissue damage in affected dogs.

Diagnosing Lyme Disease in Dogs

Diagnosis typically involves:

• A history of tick exposure

• Observation of clinical signs

• Serologic testing, such as the C6 peptide ELISA, which detects antibodies specific to B. burgdorferi

• Urinalysis and blood work, particularly when Lyme nephritis is suspected

Prevention Strategies: Evidence-Based Recommendations

1. Tick Control Is the Cornerstone

• Use veterinarian-recommended acaricides (tick preventives), including topical treatments, oral medications, or collars.

• Ensure year-round protection, especially in endemic areas. Ticks can remain active even in mild winters.

2. Environmental Management

• Keep grass mowed short and remove leaf litter.

• Create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between wooded areas and your yard.

• Limit access to tall brush where ticks thrive.

3. Daily Tick Checks

• Carefully inspect your dog after outdoor activity, focusing on:

  • Head and ears

  • Neck and chest

  • Under the collar

  • Between toes

  • Groin and armpits

Early removal within 24 hours significantly reduces transmission risk.

4. Vaccination

• The Lyme disease vaccine for dogs is available and recommended in endemic regions.

• Vaccination prompts the production of antibodies against B. burgdorferi outer surface proteins, helping neutralize the bacterium in the tick's gut before transmission occurs.

• Annual boosters are required, and vaccination should complement—not replace—tick control.

5. Immune System Support

Supporting overall immune function may be beneficial in maintaining health during tick season. While no supplement can prevent Lyme disease, certain nutrients and compounds are studied for their roles in immune regulation, antioxidant activity, and maintaining cellular health.

Products from Bill and Coo that align with these areas of support include:

• Defend Your Pet – Formulated with ingredients that are studied for their roles in barrier integrity, microbiome balance, and immune system signaling.

• AniGreens – Contains a variety of natural compounds found in superfoods that have been investigated for their antioxidant and detoxification-supporting properties.

• Pure Clean Pets – Designed with ingredients that may assist in supporting the body's natural detoxification processes following environmental exposure.

These products are intended to complement, not replace, primary prevention strategies like tick control and vaccination. Always consult a veterinarian when considering supplements for your dog.

Final Thoughts

Lyme disease can be serious, but it is also highly preventable. A science-based, multi-modal approach combining vigilant tick control, vaccination, and environmental management offers the best protection. Consult your veterinarian to develop a personalized Lyme prevention plan for your dog, particularly if you live in or travel to areas where Lyme disease is prevalent.

By understanding the biology of ticks and the science of disease transmission, dog owners can take proactive steps to safeguard their pets' health this spring and beyond. Authored By: Tyana Fenton