Dog Ticks: Know the Lyme Disease Symptoms in Dogs

DebbieP | Nov 4, 2010 |

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Can you spot the Lyme Disease symptoms in dogs? Lyme Disease in dogs is dangerous and every now and then life threatening. If you have a dog that often goes outside where she can pick up deer ticks, you need to be familiar with the symptoms to get your dog treatment as soon as possible.

6 Top Lyme Disease Symptoms in Dogs

Lyme Disease symptoms in dogs come in two phases - early and late. In the early phase, before your dog is even diagnosed, you'll observe a few or all these symptoms:

Aches & Pains - Lyme Disease usually causes lameness due to muscle and joint tenderness. Your dog may have many of the same symptoms as arthritis and have swelling in the joints. You'll become aware of this because your dog will have difficulty walking, walk stiffly or not want to move around much at all.
Swollen Lymph Nodes - If your dog is limping and showing pain when he moves or walks, check the lymph nodes to see if they are inflamed. Lymph nodes are little glands that help the immune system function. Check for the lymph nodes in your dog's neck and the joint of their legs (similar to the armpits and groin in humans). If you feel swelling or enlargement this is a sign your dog has some type of infection, illness or possibly Lyme Disease.
Fever - Dogs can have fever and chills just like humans. Some dogs with Lyme Disease develop fevers anywhere from 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fatigue - You may notice your dog acting tired and sleeping a good deal more than usual.Lack of appetite - Your dog won't be interested in eating or eats significantly less.
Depression - Lyme Disease affects the nervous system and can cause depression in dogs. Suddenly, your happy and playful dog is acting sad or wants to stay away from family members.
Ammonia-Smelling Dreath - Breath with a strong ammonia-like smell is a good indication your dog has Lyme Disease.

If your dog shows some of these warning signs, you need to take her to the pet doctor for a checkup. Bear in mind, your dog will ordinarily have a number of of these symptoms -- not just one. And just because your dog has one or more of these symptoms doesn't absolutely suggest your dog has Lyme Disease.

Your dog is important to you and is part of your family. To be absolutely sure whether your dog has Lyme Disease, you need to get a positive diagnosis from your vetrinarian. Only then can you begin therapy for your dog to avoid long-term impairment or even death. Familiarize yourself with these Lyme Disease symptoms in dogs and be capable to identify them to keep your dog safe from dog tick illnesses.