Deer Ticks, Rising Cases, and Why the Lyme Vaccine Matters More Than Ever

It started like nothing: a healthy two-year-old lab mix just seemed a little tired. Then came the limping — first one leg, then another. By the time he got to the vet, he could barely stand. His kidneys were failing, and there was little that could be done.

This once healthy dog had Lyme nephritis — the most severe, often fatal, complication of Lyme disease. At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we see it more than we should. And it’s why we talk so much about prevention — and especially about the Lyme vaccine.

How Dogs Get Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick. These ticks are tiny — often no bigger than a poppy seed — and they thrive in Iowa’s wooded trails, tall grasses, and yes, even suburban backyards.

Dogs can pick up ticks on walks, hikes, potty breaks, or just sniffing around the fence line. And since ticks need to be attached for at least 24–48 hours to transmit the disease, daily tick checks and prevention help — but they aren’t foolproof.

What the Lyme Vaccine Does

At PetMed of Key West, we use a safe and effective Lyme vaccine that protects against the disease in our area. It significantly reduces the chance of infection if your dog is bitten by a Lyme-carrying tick — and in a high-risk area like Dubuque, that protection matters.

Isn’t Lyme Treatable?

Yes — if caught early, Lyme disease can usually be treated with a course of doxycycline. But that’s a big “if.” Some dogs don’t show symptoms right away, or their signs are so vague — fatigue, stiffness, off-and-on lameness — that it’s easy to overlook.

The most devastating cases we see? They’re the ones we catch too late — when the infection has reached the kidneys. Lyme nephritis causes kidney failure, and it’s almost always fatal — even with aggressive, round-the-clock care.

Who Should Get the Lyme Vaccine?

All dogs should be vaccinated against Lyme disease in the midwest — no exceptions. In Dubuque, ticks don’t care if your dog is big or small, adventurous or homebody. They’re in the grass, in the yard, and along the sidewalk. Even dogs who only go outside to use the bathroom are at risk. That means the little white fluffy dogs who never leave the backyard need the Lyme vaccine just as much as the retriever who hikes the trails.

The Vaccine Schedule

The Lyme vaccination schedule is simple and fits into most dogs’ annual care routine:

• Initial series: Two vaccines, given 3–4 weeks apart.
• Annual booster: Given once yearly for continued protection.

Pair it with year-round flea and tick prevention, and you’re giving your dog the best defense we have.

Real Prevention. Real Peace of Mind.

We’ve treated too many Lyme cases that never should have happened. We’ve watched too many families say goodbye to dogs that were young, vibrant, and loved beyond measure. And we never want your dog to be one of them.

That’s why we strongly recommend the Lyme vaccine at PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic — not as a “maybe,” but as a must for dogs in Dubuque.  If your dog hasn’t received the Lyme vaccine, or you’re not sure they’re fully protected, give us a call today. We’ll help you build a prevention plan that makes sense for your dog’s lifestyle — and for the tick-heavy reality of our area.