Discover Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is primarily transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick.
After a dog is bitten by an infected tick, it may take weeks or even months for symptoms of Lyme disease to appear. This delayed onset can complicate early detection and treatment.
Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose in dogs because symptoms often resemble those of other conditions and may not appear immediately after a tick bite.
Many people believe that ticks and Lyme disease are only concerns during the warmer months. However, ticks can be active year-round, posing a continuous risk to dogs.
Regular tick checks and timely removal are crucial. Vaccination and vet-recommended preventatives like NexGard® help protect against Lyme disease.
Perform regular checks on your dog, especially after outdoor activities. Pay close attention to areas like the ears, neck, and between the toes, where ticks are more likely to attach.
NexGard® (afoxolaner) is FDA-approved to prevent Lyme disease by killing infected ticks on dogs before transmission.
NexGard® side effects include vomiting and itching; use cautiously in dogs with neurologic conditions or during pregnancy.