Lyme Disease Testing and Treatment for Dogs in Monona and Madison
Wisconsin is one of the highest-risk states in the country for Lyme disease, and dogs who walk lakeside trails, parks, and backyards around Monona and Madison can pick up infected ticks almost any time of year. At Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic, our Fear Free veterinary team screens for, treats, and helps prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses so your dog can keep enjoying the outdoors safely.
What Is Lyme Disease in Dogs?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which spreads to dogs through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, often called the deer tick. A tick usually needs to stay attached for 24 to 48 hours to pass the infection, which is why daily tick checks and reliable prevention matter so much. Many infected dogs never show symptoms, while others develop painful joints or, rarely, serious kidney complications. Cats can be bitten by ticks too, but Lyme disease is far less common in cats.
Signs of Lyme Disease to Watch For
Symptoms often appear weeks to months after a tick bite and can come and go. Call us if you notice:
- Lameness that shifts from one leg to another
- Swollen, warm, or painful joints
- Fever, lethargy, or reluctance to move
- Decreased appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Increased thirst and urination, vomiting, or weight loss, which can signal kidney involvement
Because joint pain can look a lot like arthritis, any sudden limping in an active dog deserves a sick pet visit.
How We Diagnose Lyme Disease
Your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam and recommend a quick blood screening test that checks for Lyme disease along with heartworm and other tick-borne infections such as anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis. Through our in-house laboratory testing, we can follow up a positive result with additional bloodwork and a urine protein test to check whether the infection is affecting your dog’s kidneys. We often recommend this screening at your dog’s yearly wellness exam, since early detection leads to better outcomes and helps protect against kidney disease.
Treating Lyme Disease
Most dogs with symptoms respond well to a course of antibiotics, usually for about four weeks, and many feel better within a few days. Pain relief may be added for sore joints, and our in-clinic pharmacy can fill your dog’s medications the same day. Dogs with kidney changes need closer monitoring and additional treatment. If your dog tests positive but feels fine, your veterinarian will discuss whether treatment or monitoring is the best next step.
Preventing Lyme Disease in Wisconsin Dogs
The best protection combines several layers:
- Year-round, veterinarian-recommended tick prevention, available through our pharmacy and online store
- The Lyme vaccine, recommended for nearly every Wisconsin dog as part of a tailored vaccine plan
- Daily tick checks after walks, especially around ears, toes, and the belly
- Prompt, careful removal of any attached tick
Dogs enrolled in our Free Vaccines for Life program receive 50% off the Lyme vaccine, and our current promotions often include rebates on tick preventatives. Ticks also spread other illnesses, and the same mosquito-season planning helps protect against heartworm disease. To learn about other common health concerns we treat, visit our conditions page.
Lyme Disease in Dogs FAQs
How do dogs get Lyme disease?
Dogs get Lyme disease from the bite of an infected black-legged (deer) tick. The tick usually needs to be attached for 24 to 48 hours to transmit the bacteria.
Is Lyme disease common in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin is one of the highest-risk states for Lyme disease, and ticks can be active whenever temperatures rise above freezing, including in spring, fall, and mild winter days.
What are the first signs of Lyme disease in dogs?
Common early signs include shifting leg lameness, swollen or painful joints, fever, tiredness, and a reduced appetite. Many dogs show no symptoms at all, which is why routine screening is important.
Can Lyme disease in dogs be cured?
Most dogs respond well to antibiotics and recover from symptoms. Some dogs may continue to carry the bacteria, so your veterinarian may recommend follow-up testing and continued tick prevention.
Should my dog get the Lyme vaccine?
For most Wisconsin dogs, yes. The Lyme vaccine combined with year-round tick prevention offers the strongest protection. Your veterinarian will recommend it based on your dog’s health and lifestyle.
Can my cat get Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is rare in cats, but cats can still pick up ticks that carry other infections. Talk with us about a safe, cat-specific parasite prevention product.
Can I get Lyme disease from my dog?
Dogs do not spread Lyme disease directly to people, but an infected tick riding into your home on your dog could bite a family member. Preventing ticks on your pet helps protect everyone in your household.
Protect Your Dog From Lyme Disease
Whether your dog is limping, due for a tick-borne disease screening, or ready to start the Lyme vaccine, our Fear Free team is here to help. Call Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic at (608) 819-6750 to schedule a visit in Monona and Madison.