Tick-tock.

Warm weather is on the way, and along with warmer temperatures comes a surge in Ontario’s tick population. This means an equal rise in tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease—a bacterial illness that affects humans and dogs.

At Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital, we believe pet owner education is the first line of defense against this debilitating illness, so we have compiled our most frequently asked questions and answers into this helpful guide.

Question: What is Lyme disease in pets?

Answer: Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a spiral-shaped bacteria carried by infected black-legged ticks (i.e., Ixodes scapularis) and several other tick species. The Borrelia burgdorferi that enter your pet’s blood stream travel throughout the body and trigger harmful inflammation and other damage.

Lyme disease is most common in dogs, and has never been reported in cats outside a laboratory setting. However, the Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team recommends pet owners stay vigilant against tick-borne diseases in all pets.

Q: How is Lyme disease transmitted in pets?

Answer: Lyme disease is transmitted through an infected tick’s saliva, although bacteria transmission is not immediate. Ticks require 24 to 48 hours of attachment before they begin collecting their blood meal or transmitting disease. Parasite preventives capitalize on this window by providing an efficient speed-of-kill (e.g., usually no more than eight hours after attachment) and eliminating the tick before they can transfer disease.

Q: Where would my pet be exposed to Lyme disease? 

Answer: Ticks are most commonly found in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas, but can migrate to non-native areas on birds or deer, or travel indoors on bags, clothing, or shoes. 

According to the Ministry of Health, the black-legged tick’s presence across Ontario has increased because of climate change, and the species is now found almost anywhere in the province. Public Health Ontario has released a risk map that illustrates areas where black-legged ticks are most common.

Q: What are Lyme disease signs in pets?

A: Unlike humans, Lyme disease-infected pets do not display the classic bullseye rash around the tick bite. Signs in pets generally don’t appear until two to five months after the tick bite, and occur only in 5% to 10% of infected pets.

Signs may include:

  • Intermittent or recurring lameness that affects one or more legs
  • Swollen, stiff, or painful joints
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Fatigue
  • Appetite loss
  • Fever

Untreated Lyme disease can progress to more serious conditions and affect your pet’s brain, heart, or kidneys. If you suspect your pet is showing Lyme disease signs, schedule an examination and testing at Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital.

Q: Can I get Lyme disease from my pet?

A: Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can affect humans but they can’t be transmitted directly from your pet to you. However, pet owners should use caution and minimize contact when removing and disposing of ticks. Use tweezers or a hemostat—never fingers—to remove attached ticks and thoroughly wash your hands after you dispose of them.

Q: How is Lyme disease diagnosed in pets?

A: If Lyme disease is suspected based on your pet’s clinical signs and physical examination, your Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital veterinarian will recommend blood testing to look for Lyme disease antibodies, which are proteins produced by your pet’s immune system in response to Borrelia burgdorferi. They may also recommend additional testing, such as full blood work and a urinalysis, to confirm Lyme disease and identify any complications such as compromised organ function.

Q: Is Lyme disease treatable in pets?

A: Uncomplicated Lyme disease is typically treated with a 30-day antibiotic regimen such as doxycycline or minocycline. Pet owners are often tempted to stop their pet’s medication after clinical signs improve, but they must be diligent about administering the antibiotic as directed for the full month to ensure successful treatment. After completion, pets are retested to confirm they are Lyme disease-free. Additional antibiotics may be necessary in some cases.


If their kidney, heart, or neurological function is affected by Lyme disease, your pet will need additional therapies or supportive care to manage or relieve their clinical signs. Sadly, most Lyme disease-related organ damage is irreversible.

Q: How can I protect my pet from Lyme disease?

A: Awareness is the first step in protecting your pet from tick-borne illnesses. Next, you must put specific safeguards in place to prevent disease transmission. These preventive measures include:

  • Year-round flea and tick prevention — Ticks are most active during warm weather (e.g., spring to late fall) but can emerge from dormancy on mild winter days. Year-round parasite preventives ensure a rapid speed-of-kill if a tick bites your pet, effectively blocking disease transmission. Our team can recommend safe and effective preventives for your dog or cat.
  • Lyme disease vaccines for dogs — If your dog is frequently outdoors where ticks are common (e.g., woods, fields), the Lyme disease vaccine can provide additional protection. This yearly vaccine should be used in conjunction with parasite preventives. 
  • Grooming and tick checks — Frequent brushing and grooming can help you spot crawling or attached ticks on your pet’s skin or coat. Before returning home after hiking or outdoor play, inspect your pet for ticks, ensuring you carefully inspect common tick hiding spots, which include the feet, armpits, groin, face, and under the tail.
  • Environmental control — Discourage tick populations around your home by keeping grass mowed and leafy debris cleared.

Don’t let tick-related threats thwart your outdoor activities—keep your pet protected with year-round preventives and comprehensive wellness care at Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital. Contact our team to schedule your pet’s next appointment.