Lyme Vaccine

How Lyme Disease Is Transmitted

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. Transmission requires the tick to remain attached for 24 to 48 hours, which is why prompt removal matters. However, ticks are often small and easily missed, making removal alone an unreliable prevention strategy.

Black-legged ticks are most active in spring and fall, but remain a year-round risk in many regions, particularly where temperatures stay above freezing. Tick populations have expanded significantly over the past two decades, and Lyme disease is now reported well beyond its historical range in the Northeast and Upper Midwest.

Dogs are exposed through wooded areas, tall grass, leaf litter, and environments where deer or small mammals are present. Urban parks and suburban yards in tick-endemic regions carry real exposure risk, not just rural or wilderness settings.

What Happens If Lyme Disease Goes Untreated

Many dogs exposed to Lyme disease show no immediate symptoms. When signs do appear, they typically include shifting leg lameness, joint swelling, fever, lethargy, and decreased appetite. These symptoms may come and go, making the disease easy to overlook or attribute to other causes.

The more serious concern is Lyme nephritis, a progressive kidney disease that develops in a subset of infected dogs, particularly Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. It causes protein loss through the kidneys and can advance to kidney failure. By the time kidney involvement is apparent, the disease is often significantly progressed, which is why prevention through vaccination is strongly encouraged over treatment after infection.

Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics, and most dogs respond well when caught early. However, recurring symptoms can persist after treatment, and kidney involvement significantly complicates outcomes.

What is the Lyme vaccine for dogs? 

It protects against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Given as a two-dose series followed by annual boosters, Petfolk recommends it for all dogs.

How does my dog get Lyme disease? 

Through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. The tick must stay attached for 24 to 48 hours to transmit the bacteria, but ticks are often too small to detect reliably.

Is the Lyme vaccine necessary if I use tick prevention? 

Yes. Tick preventives reduce the chance of attachment, while the vaccine adds protection if a tick does attach. Both together offer the most reliable coverage.

How often does my dog need the Lyme vaccine? 

Annually. Unvaccinated dogs start with two doses given 2 to 4 weeks apart, then receive a booster every year.

Should my dog be tested for Lyme disease before vaccination? 

Annual tick-borne disease screening is recommended alongside vaccination to confirm exposure status and guide any additional treatment if needed.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs? 

Shifting leg lameness, joint swelling, fever, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Symptoms can appear weeks to months after exposure and may come and go.

Are certain breeds more at risk? 

Yes. Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are at higher risk for Lyme nephritis, a serious kidney complication. Vaccination is especially important for these breeds.

Are there side effects from the Lyme vaccine? 

Mild and temporary. Some dogs experience soreness, lethargy, or reduced appetite for 24 to 48 hours. Serious reactions are uncommon.

Can my dog still get Lyme disease after vaccination? 

The vaccine significantly reduces the risk, but it is not absolute. Pairing it with tick prevention and regular tick checks provides the most complete protection.

My dog tested positive for Lyme exposure. What now? 

A positive test means exposure, not necessarily active disease. A veterinarian will evaluate symptoms, run additional diagnostics, and determine whether treatment is needed.