Understanding Lyme Disease
Guidance is to not treat a dog who is asymptomatic. Based on a study at the Univ of Pennsylvania, 95% of dogs with exposure to Lyme will never get sick. That is to say your dog can be Lyme Positive and never show symptoms.
It’s estimated that only 10-20% of dogs who have been bitten by a tick will lead to lead to Lyme Disease Stage 1. If treated early, you’ll reduce the risk of advancing to stage 2 or 3.
Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness in Dogs: What Pet Parents Need to Know
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Worried about Lyme disease or tick-borne illness in your dog? Learn how the 4DX test works, symptoms to watch for, treatment options, and natural prevention strategies to protect your pup.
Understanding Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.
But here’s something most pet parents don’t know:
👉 95% of dogs exposed to Lyme never develop symptoms.
That means a positive test doesn’t always equal a sick dog. Your pup may live a long, healthy life without ever showing signs of illness. Still, we want to be cautious and proactive.
How Dogs Get Lyme Disease
Bites from infected black-legged ticks, Lone Star ticks, or Western black-legged ticks
Ticks must be attached for 36–48 hours to transmit bacteria
Risk is highest in wooded, grassy, and brushy areas
Stages of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Not all dogs progress through stages, but here’s what we know:
Stage 1: Flu-like symptoms; sometimes a rash at the bite site. Some dogs recover without treatment.
Stage 2: Bacteria spread to joints, kidneys, or heart. Only 1–2% of dogs develop this stage.
Stage 3: Severe joint pain, illness, or organ damage. Thankfully, this is rare.
Testing:
4DX test. This in-clinic blood test screens for:
Heartworms
Lyme disease
Anaplasmosis
Ehrlichiosis
The test looks for antibodies—or exposure to these infections. This test does not confirm whether there’s an active infection. With this in mind, every noted color change on the test should be acted upon — do not simply take the wait and see what may happen.
Why? Because tick-borne diseases can hide in places like the periosteum of bones or tissues of the kidneys, staying dormant while quietly causing damage. By the time symptoms show up—or bloodwork indicates trouble—serious harm may already be done.
One devastating example is Lyme nephritis, where Lyme bacteria damage the delicate nephrons of the kidneys, often leading to irreversible kidney failure.
That’s why I encourage pet parents not to “wait and see” if a tick-borne test comes up positive. Tick-borne illnesses are NOT a “do nothing” disease. Take action, even if symptoms aren’t showing yet, proactive support matters. Treat “as-if” you know the disease is present with natural antibiotics, herbs, and essential oils. In some cases, more traditional antibiotics may be necessary.
Symptoms to Watch For
Dogs with Lyme disease (or other tick-borne illness) may show:
Lameness that shifts from leg to leg
Swollen, painful joints or lymph nodes
Loss of appetite
Low energy, depression, or malaise
Muscle stiffness or pain
Fever
But remember—many dogs never show symptoms at all.
The Conventional Veterinary Approach
Most veterinarians treat with:
Antibiotics (doxycycline, amoxicillin, azithromycin) for about 4 weeks
Pain relief for joint inflammation
Kidney monitoring in severe cases
These treatments can be helpful, but they don’t always fully eliminate the bacteria, which is why long-term holistic support may be needed.
Read More On The Risk of Antibiotics
What To Do If You Find a Tick on Your Dog
Remove the tick properly: Use fine-tipped tweezers close to the skin, pull straight up.
Save the tick: Store it in rubbing alcohol for possible testing.
Disinfect the area: Natural antiseptics like diluted apple cider vinegar, manuka honey, or Ledum essential oil are helpful.
Topical support: A purifying essential oil blend or colloidal silver can be used in first aid.
Immune boost: Fresh, whole food diets plus probiotics and herbs strengthen your dog’s defenses.
Monitor closely: Watch for fever, lethargy, or appetite changes in the weeks following a bite.
5 Proactive Ways to Protect Your Dog
Daily tick checks after walks, hikes, or yard time
Safe tick repellents using essential oils, herbal sprays, and natural yard treatments
Immune system support with probiotics, fresh food, and immune-balancing herbs like astragalus
Prompt response to symptoms with your holistic vet’s guidance
Avoid unnecessary treatment in asymptomatic Lyme-positive dogs
Should You Give the Lyme Vaccine?
Lyme vaccines exist, but they’re controversial. Effectiveness is questionable, and some dogs experience side effects that outweigh potential benefits. This is not a one-size-fits-all decision—discuss with your holistic vet before choosing.
👉 Does My Dog Need the Lyme Vaccine? (link to your blog when ready)
Want a Natural Approach to Lyme Prevention & Support?
In my private client guide, I dive deeper into:
Natural tick prevention strategies
Herbs and essential oils for immune support
Tick Bite Protocol
Holistic support for dogs diagnosed with Lyme
Safe, gentle detox methods
👉 Join my private client forum for access to the full guide. Free & subscription content available.
Or, if you’re ready for personalized support, let’s chat about your dog’s situation:
👉 Submit an inquiry here (no obligation).
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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