Lyme disease in dogs

Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is an infectious disease transferred by ticks. In addition to game and rodents, it also affects dogs and humans.


In Germany approximately every fourth tick is infected with Borrelia and transfers the bacteria when sucking blood - although only after several hours. The most important preventative measure, therefore, is to inspect the animal for ticks e.g. after a walk in areas heavily affected or after your pet has been running around freely. Dogs should be protected against tick bites as a precautionary measure by using a relevant tick treatment (spot-ons, tick collars).

The infection starts with a slowly spreading reddening of the bitten area which, in the case of dogs, is very hard to detect. The main signs are joint and muscle pain and, subsequently, neurological disturbances may also occur. Most affected animals experience an infection which initially takes place without clinical complaints. There is, however, a considerable risk of chronic joint problems developing, either as a delayed effect, or if the animal is re-infected.