Lyme Disease in Dogs: Why Vaccination 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 in Dubuque, Iowa, we see it more than we should. And it’s why we talk so much about prevention—especially the Lyme vaccine.

What Is Lyme Disease in Dogs?

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that is transmitted through the bite of infected deer ticks.

These ticks are small, easy to miss, and widely distributed across much of the United States—especially in the Midwest and Northeast.

Once infected, dogs may develop:

Fever
Lethargy
Limping or shifting leg lameness
Joint swelling

In more serious cases, Lyme disease can affect the kidneys (Lyme nephritis), which can be life-threatening.

How Fast Can Lyme Disease Be Transmitted?

Ticks typically need to be attached for about 24–48 hours to transmit Lyme disease.

But here’s the problem:
Most tick bites are never seen.

Ticks are:

Extremely small (often poppy-seed sized)
Easy to miss on thick or dark coats
Common in everyday environments

So while timing matters medically, in real life, exposure often goes unnoticed.

“My Dog Would Never Get Ticks…”

This is something we hear all the time:

“My dog doesn’t go in the woods.”
“I live in a nice neighborhood.”
“My dog is small—I would see ticks.”

Here’s the reality:

Ticks don’t care.

They are found in:

Backyards
Subdivisions
Parks
Trail edges
Any area where grass and wildlife overlap

And immature ticks (“seed ticks”) can be incredibly small.

On a thick-coated or darker dog, they are very difficult to find—and most people don’t reliably find ticks on themselves either.

By the time you see a tick, it may have already been attached long enough to transmit disease.

How Lyme Disease Spreads (and How It Doesn’t)

Lyme disease is only spread through tick bites.

Dogs cannot transmit Lyme disease directly to other dogs
Dogs cannot transmit Lyme disease directly to people

However, infected animals can contribute to the cycle by serving as hosts for ticks, which then spread the disease further.

Why Lyme Disease Is So Common

Lyme disease is not evenly distributed, but in many regions—including the Midwest—it is extremely common.

This is due to:

High deer tick populations
Abundant wildlife reservoirs
Consistent environmental exposure

In practices like ours, it is very common for unvaccinated dogs to test positive for Lyme exposure at some point in their lives.

Why Tick Prevention Alone Is Not Enough

Tick prevention is essential—but it’s not perfect.

Most products kill ticks after they bite
Transmission can occur before the tick dies
Doses may be missed
Many dogs are not treated consistently year-round

Ticks can also be active any time temperatures are above about 30°F, including parts of winter.

Why Annual Testing Matters (Even with Prevention)

Prevention is critical—but it’s not perfect. That’s why testing is just as important.

At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we recommend yearly testing for heartworm and tick-borne diseases, including:

Lyme disease
Ehrlichia
Anaplasmosis

This allows us to:

Detect infections early
Monitor for exposure over time
Intervene before more serious complications develop

Because in an area like ours, exposure is not unusual—it’s expected.

What Happens If a Dog Tests Positive for Lyme?

A positive Lyme test doesn’t always mean a dog needs treatment.

It means:
The immune system has seen the bacteria.

From there, the next step is figuring out what that actually means for your dog.

At PetMed, we perform additional testing called a C6 antibody test. This helps us determine whether we are seeing:

Past exposure
A low-level infection that may not require treatment
An active infection that should be addressed

Not all positive Lyme tests are the same—and treating them all the same can lead to unnecessary medication or missed disease.

This allows us to make more accurate, individualized decisions rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

When indicated, this additional testing is included as part of our care so we can make the most informed decisions possible.

Layered Protection: Why We Recommend Both

The best way to think about Lyme prevention is simple:

If you were in a car accident, would you want:

A seatbelt
Airbags
Or both?

Most people would choose both.

That’s how we approach Lyme disease prevention:

Tick prevention is one layer
Vaccination is another layer

Together, they provide significantly better protection.

Is Lyme Disease Curable in Dogs?

Lyme disease can often be treated so that dogs become clinically normal.

However:

The bacteria may persist in the body
Some dogs experience recurring symptoms
In certain cases, complications develop despite treatment

For some dogs, Lyme behaves more like a chronic condition than a one-time infection.

That’s why prevention is so important.

Do Cats Need the Lyme Vaccine?

There is currently no Lyme vaccine available for cats.

Cats appear to be more resistant to developing clinical Lyme disease, but tick prevention is still recommended for cats that go outdoors.

Lyme Vaccine Schedule for Dogs

Initial series: Two doses given 3–4 weeks apart
Annual booster: Once yearly

This is typically incorporated into routine wellness care.

Our Approach to the Lyme Vaccine

At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we use the Boehringer Ingelheim Recombitek® Lyme vaccine.

This is a well-established vaccine with a strong safety profile that is designed to provide reliable protection against Lyme disease in dogs.

As with any medical decision, we focus on using products that are both effective and safe, especially for something as common—and potentially serious—as Lyme disease in our area.

The Bottom Line

Lyme disease is not rare.
It is not going away.
And in many parts of the country, exposure is expected.

Relying on a single layer of protection leaves gaps.

Using both vaccination and tick prevention gives your dog the best chance to avoid infection—and the serious complications that can come with it.

Lyme Disease in Dogs FAQs

How long does a tick need to be attached to transmit Lyme disease?

Typically 24–48 hours, but many tick bites go unnoticed.

Can dogs give Lyme disease to people or other dogs?

No. Lyme disease is only transmitted through tick bites.

Is Lyme disease permanent in dogs?

It can often be controlled with treatment, but the bacteria may persist and some dogs can have ongoing or recurring issues.

Do I still need the Lyme vaccine if I use tick prevention?

Yes. We recommend both for the best protection.

Why do you recommend yearly testing?

Because exposure is common, and early detection allows for better decision-making and prevention of complications.

Local Care You Can Trust

PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic proudly serves Dubuque, Asbury, Peosta, Epworth, Dyersville, Farley, and surrounding communities.

If you’re unsure whether your dog is protected—or want to build a prevention plan that actually works in your area—we’re here to help.

Written by: Dr. Mackenzie Hellert

Updated: 3-30-26