Understanding Lyme Disease

Sep 1

Every year we hear it.

“Ticks are terrible this year.” And honestly? In many areas, they are.

Warmer weather, longer tick seasons, expanding tick habitats, and more dogs traveling, hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors all mean one thing:

Our dogs are being exposed more often.

But here is where I want you to take a deep breath.

A tick bite does not automatically mean Lyme disease.

A positive Lyme test does not automatically mean active Lyme disease.

And a dog exposed to Lyme is not automatically destined for lifelong illness.

That said, this is also not something we ignore.

This is one of those places where we need to be calm, informed, and proactive.

Not panicked.

Not passive.

Somewhere right in the middle, where common sense lives.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

It is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, most commonly the black-legged tick, also called the deer tick, or the western black-legged tick.

But Lyme is only one piece of the tick-borne disease conversation.

Ticks can also carry organisms associated with:

Anaplasmosis
Ehrlichiosis
Babesiosis
Bartonella
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

And yes, dogs can be exposed to more than one tick-borne organism at the same time.

Because apparently ticks did not think one problem was enough.

Most Lyme-Exposed Dogs Do Not Become Sick

Here is the part most pet parents are never told clearly.

Most dogs exposed to Lyme do not develop symptoms.

Veterinary consensus statements often cite that up to 95% of exposed dogs may remain asymptomatic. Other veterinary sources estimate only a small percentage of exposed dogs go on to develop clinical illness. That population is often the already unhealthy or those who have other conditions

That is good news.

But it does not mean we shrug and do nothing.

It means we need to understand the difference between:

Exposure
Infection
Active disease
Long-term risk

Because those are not all the same thing.

A dog can test positive because their immune system has seen Lyme bacteria.

That does not always mean the dog is actively sick today.

But it does mean we need to ask better questions.

How Dogs Get Lyme Disease

Dogs are exposed when an infected tick attaches and feeds.

In most cases, Lyme transmission becomes more likely when the tick has been attached for many hours. Many veterinary sources cite roughly 24–48 hours or longer as the common transmission window.

Risk is higher in:

Wooded areas
Tall grass
Brushy areas
Leaf litter
Trails
Fields
Yards with wildlife traffic

And no, your dog does not have to go hiking in the deep woods to pick up ticks.

Your own backyard may be doing plenty of dirty work.

Your Dog Is Basically a Tick Magnet

Ticks do not “see” your dog the way we do.

They respond to signals such as:

Body heat
Carbon dioxide from breathing
Movement
Scent
Skin secretions

To a tick, your dog is basically walking around with a giant sign that says:

“Buffet open.”

This is why prevention matters before the bite happens.

Many conventional products are designed to kill the tick after it bites.

That may reduce disease risk, but your dog was still bitten first.

My preference is always to make the dog less attractive to ticks in the first place whenever possible.

That is where things like essential oil-based sprays, herbal support, yard management, daily tick checks, and immune support can all matter.

Stages of Lyme Disease in Dogs

Not all dogs progress through stages, and many dogs never show symptoms at all.

But when Lyme does become a problem, it may show up in different ways.

Stage 1: Early Signs

Some dogs may develop mild, flu-like signs.

This can include:

Low energy
Fever
Soreness
Reduced appetite
General malaise

A rash at the bite site is common in people, but it is not something we commonly rely on in dogs.

Between fur and skin pigment, good luck finding that little bullseye.

Stage 2: Spread Through the Body

If the bacteria spreads, it may affect:

Joints
Connective tissue
Kidneys
Heart
Nervous system

This is where we may see shifting lameness, joint pain, stiffness, or more vague symptoms that come and go.

Stage 3: More Serious Disease

Severe complications are less common, but they can happen.

This may include:

Significant joint pain
Serious illness
Neurologic signs
Heart involvement
Kidney damage

The kidney piece is the one I pay very close attention to.

Symptoms to Watch For

Dogs with Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness may show:

Lameness that shifts from leg to leg
Swollen or painful joints
Swollen lymph nodes
Loss of appetite
Low energy
Depression or malaise
Muscle stiffness
Fever
Reluctance to move
Behavior changes
Increased thirst or urination if kidneys are involved

But remember, many dogs never show obvious symptoms at all.

That is why testing and follow-up matter.

Testing: A Positive Lyme Test Is Not the Whole Story

Most veterinarians use a screening test such as the 4DX or AccuPlex.

The 4DX test screens for exposure to:

Heartworm
Lyme disease
Anaplasmosis
Ehrlichiosis

The key word is exposure.

A positive Lyme result on a 4DX does not automatically mean your dog has active Lyme disease.

It means your dog’s immune system has produced antibodies against Lyme bacteria at some point.

That could mean:

Past exposure
Current infection
Recent exposure that needs follow-up
Exposure the immune system may already be handling

So no, we do not panic. But we also do not ignore it.

A positive test is the “pay attention” light on the dashboard.

Not the “your engine just exploded” light.

Ask About the QC6 or Quant C6 Test

If your dog tests positive for Lyme on a 4DX or AccuPlex, ask your veterinarian about a QC6 or Quant C6 test.

This test gives more information than a simple positive or negative screening result.

The Quant C6 measures antibodies to a specific Lyme protein called C6.

That number can help your veterinarian evaluate:

Whether the infection may be active
Whether treatment should be considered
Whether antibody levels are significant
Whether levels are rising or falling over time

IDEXX notes that the 4DX may remain Lyme-positive at recheck, while a follow-up Quant C6 can be used to better evaluate antibody levels over time.

That matters.

Because a dog who had past exposure is not the same as a dog with active disease.

And a dog with active disease is not the same as a dog quietly developing kidney changes.

This is where better testing gives us a clearer picture.

Why Kidney Monitoring Matters

This is the part I do not want pet parents to miss.

Lyme disease can be associated with kidney problems, including a serious condition called Lyme nephritis.

Not every Lyme-positive dog develops kidney disease.

Most do not.

But when it happens, it can be devastating.

A retrospective study found that dogs with a positive Lyme antibody test in endemic areas had a 43% greater risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The same research found that Anaplasma exposure did not show the same increased CKD risk in that cohort.

IDEXX also summarized this research, noting the 43% increased CKD risk in Lyme-positive dogs and increased CKD risk with Ehrlichia exposure in E. canis endemic areas.

That does not mean every dog with a positive Lyme test is headed for kidney failure.

It does mean kidney monitoring is not optional fluff.

It is part of being proactive.

If your dog tests positive, I would discuss the following with your veterinarian:

CBC
Chemistry panel
SDMA kidney marker
Urinalysis
Urine protein ratio, also called UPC
QC6 or Quant C6 Lyme test

The UPC is especially important because protein loss in the urine can be an early warning sign of kidney involvement.

And the kidneys are quiet little overachievers.

They can compensate for a long time before your dog looks sick.

By the time symptoms are obvious, we may already be behind.

Don’t Panic — But Don’t Ignore It Either

This is where I want pet parents to find the middle ground.

A positive Lyme test does not automatically mean your dog is sick.

But it also should not be brushed off with, “Let’s just wait and see.”

That is too passive for me.

A better approach is:

Confirm what the test actually means
Ask about QC6 or Quant C6 follow-up testing
Check kidney values
Run a urinalysis and UPC
Watch for symptoms
Support the immune system
Make a prevention plan going forward

Some dogs may need antibiotics — but we often start with homeopathy, essential oils, and natural antibiotics vs jumping head first into prescriptions. That can even be a great proactive step (see my Tick Bite Aftercare Document available to community members and clients).

Some dogs may not.

Some dogs may benefit from holistic immune, inflammatory, gut, liver, lymphatic, and kidney support while being monitored.

The point is not to overreact.

The point is to gather enough information to make a smart decision.

Tick-borne disease is not a “do nothing” topic.

It is a “know what you are dealing with” topic.

The Conventional Veterinary Approach

Most veterinarians treat active Lyme disease with antibiotics.

Common choices may include:

Doxycycline
Amoxicillin
Azithromycin

Treatment is often around four weeks, depending on the case and the veterinarian’s protocol.

Pain relief may also be recommended when joint inflammation is present.

Kidney monitoring becomes especially important if there is protein in the urine, abnormal kidney values, or concern for Lyme nephritis.

These treatments can be helpful and sometimes necessary.

But antibiotics are not the whole conversation.

They can disrupt the gut microbiome, stress the body in other ways, and may not address the terrain that allowed the dog to become vulnerable in the first place.

That is why I care so much about nutrition, immune support, gut health, inflammation, detox pathways, and long-term prevention.

What To Do If You Find a Tick on Your Dog

If you find a tick, do not lose your mind.

Remove it properly and take action.

Remove the Tick

Use fine-tipped tweezers or a proper tick removal tool.

Get close to the skin and pull straight up with steady pressure.

Do not twist, burn, smother, or drown the tick while it is attached.

That is not a spa treatment.

That is how we irritate the tick and potentially increase the mess.

Save the Tick

Place the tick in a small bag or container with rubbing alcohol.

You may choose to have the tick identified or tested.

At minimum, knowing what kind of tick you found can be helpful.

Clean the Area

Clean the bite area gently.

Natural topical support may include:

Diluted apple cider vinegar
Colloidal silver
Manuka honey
Properly diluted essential oil support

Support the Body

After a tick bite, I like to think in terms of immune support and inflammation support.

This may include:

Fresh, whole food nutrition
Probiotics
Mushroom support
Herbal support
Homeopathy
Essential oils
Lymphatic and detox support

No, this does not mean throwing the whole kitchen sink at the dog.

It means having a thoughtful plan.

Dogs Who May Be at Greater Risk

Some dogs may be more vulnerable if their body is already carrying a heavy load.

Risk may be higher in dogs with:

Chronic inflammation
Immune suppression
Poor nutrition
Excess weight
Gut imbalance
Parasite infections
Chronic bacterial or fungal issues
Heavy metal or toxin accumulation
High stress
Chronic skin or allergy issues

These are the dogs where I get more serious about supporting the terrain.

Because Lyme is not just about the tick.

It is also about the host.

A strong, well-nourished, balanced dog may respond very differently than a dog whose immune system is already exhausted.

This is one reason I often talk about seasonal support, detox pathways, fresh food, gut health, and immune resilience.

Olive Leaf Extract and Summer Immune Support

Some dogs may benefit from targeted herbal immune support during heavy tick season.

Olive Leaf Extract is one option I may consider.

But this is not a “more is better” situation.

Olive Leaf Extract can be very drying, and using it incorrectly may create problems you did not plan on.

So yes, it can be useful.

But no, I do not want pet parents randomly dumping herbs into the bowl because someone on Facebook said it worked.

Use the right tool, for the right dog, in the right way.

5 Proactive Ways to Protect Your Dog

Do Daily Tick Checks

Check your dog after walks, hikes, yard time, training, camping, and outdoor adventures.

Pay close attention to:

Ears
Neck
Armpits
Groin
Between toes
Under the collar
Around the tail
Eyelids and lips

Ticks are sneaky little jerks.

Look carefully.

Use Safe Tick Repellents

I love properly formulated essential oil and herbal sprays for deterrence.

Oils like cedarwood and geranium are commonly used in tick support blends.

Kunzea is another oil I like to consider because it comes from a plant sometimes called “tick bush.”

The goal is not to poison the pest.

The goal is to make your dog harder to find in the first place.

That is a smarter place to start.

Manage the Yard

Tick exposure often starts at home.

Consider:

Keeping grass short
Removing leaf litter
Creating barriers between woods and yard
Managing rodents
Using natural yard sprays
Keeping outdoor bedding clean

The yard matters.

A lot.

Support the Immune System

Immune resilience starts with the basics.

That means:

Fresh food
Clean water
Healthy gut
Appropriate probiotics
Omega-3 support
Mushrooms when appropriate
Low-tox living
Reduced chemical exposure
Healthy weight

This is not fancy.

This is foundational.

Respond Promptly to Symptoms

If your dog develops lameness, fever, lethargy, appetite changes, stiffness, or odd behavior after tick exposure, do not sit on it.

Call your vet.

Ask about tick-borne disease testing.

Ask about kidney monitoring.

And if the first answer feels incomplete, ask better questions.

Should You Give the Lyme Vaccine?

Lyme vaccines exist, but they are not a one-size-fits-all decision.

Even the ACVIM consensus update notes that there was not full consensus on whether Lyme vaccination should be recommended across the board. Risk, geography, exposure, lifestyle, and the individual dog all matter.

For some dogs in high-risk areas, it may be part of the conversation.

For other dogs, I may have concerns.

This is a decision to discuss with your veterinarian or holistic veterinarian, especially if your dog has a history of vaccine reactions, autoimmune issues, chronic illness, or significant inflammation.

Read more: Does My Dog Need the Lyme Vaccine? [ADD LINK]

Want a Natural Approach to Lyme Prevention and Support?

In my private client resources, I go deeper into:

Natural tick prevention strategies
Herbs and essential oils for immune support
Tick bite support
Holistic support for dogs diagnosed with Lyme
Safe, gentle detox support
Gut and immune rebuilding
How to talk to your vet about follow-up testing

The public blog can help you understand the basics.

But if you want the full protocol with step-by-step support, products, and how to apply this to your dog, that is where personalized support matters.

Let’s get your dog the personalized support they need — submit an inquiry and let’s see what I can do to help.

No obligation.

The inquiry callback is no cost to you.

https://welloiledk9.com/questionnaire

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Dana Brigman