Lyme disease is a complex disease that can affect a variety of animals, including dogs and humans. The disease was first identified and described in Lyme, Connecticut, giving the disease its name. It's caused by a corkscrew-shaped bacterium, called Borrelia burgdorferi, and is transmitted through the bite of the tiny deer tick. Although called a deer tick, this pinhead-sized tick will feed on a variety of animals, including dogs and humans.

Lyme disease can cause an array of symptoms and is often difficult to diagnose. The most commonly seen symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, arthritis with swollen joints, pain and lameness. The symptoms can vary in intensity, can spontaneously resolve, and may return weeks or months later. Although the disease can be treated with antibiotics such as tetracycline, treatment can occasionally be unrewarding.

Lyme disease has variable prevalence in different parts of the United States. Ninety-five percent of all cases are found in the Northeast, the Mid-Atlantic states, and the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota. Another four percent of cases are seen in northern California and Oregon.

If you live in an area that has a high prevalence of Lyme disease, or if you are taking your dog into areas known to harbor ticks, take steps to help your dog avoid this disease. Preventive measures include keeping ticks off your dog with good quality tick products, and promptly removing any ticks you do find. Be careful when you remove ticks from your pets; avoid direct skin contact with the ticks.

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