Here in Bellingham, many of us share the same routines — getting outside whenever we can, heading to the trails or the water, and bringing our dogs along for the ride (and sometimes our cats, too). As outdoor activity increases with spring and warmer weather, so does the chance of encountering ticks, including those that can carry Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.
Each May, Lyme Disease Awareness & Prevention Month offers a helpful reminder that tick exposure affects both people and pets, and that prevention and early recognition play an important role in protecting the whole family. Staying informed about Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses allows pet owners to take simple, proactive steps — and to recognize when something doesn’t seem quite right — so outdoor time can stay focused on enjoying the moment, not worrying about what might be missed.
Learn more about Lyme Disease Awareness & Prevention Month
Lyme Disease Basics: How Ticks Transmit Infection to Pets
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that ticks transmit when they feed on a host’s blood. In the U.S., the black-legged tick is the primary vector for Lyme disease. Ticks must be attached and feeding for at least 24–36 hours before they transmit infection, so regular checks and removing ticks promptly are vital to reducing risk. Early prevention and identification of tick exposure is key to protecting pets.
Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Dogs may become infected after a tick bite, but not all infected dogs show obvious symptoms. When clinical signs develop, they commonly
include:
- Limping or shifting lameness
- Swollen or painful joints
- Fever, lethargy, or decreased appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
Left untreated, Lyme disease can in some cases lead to more serious issues such as kidney or heart involvement.
At BBVSH Bellingham, we pay careful attention to these clinical signs and diagnostic findings, because early recognition often allows for more effective treatment outcomes.
Lyme Disease in Cats: What We Currently Understand
Cats can be infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, but this is much less common than in dogs, and evidence of clinical illness in cats is limited. Some cats may mount an immune response without showing signs; others may develop vague symptoms such as lameness, fever, or fatigue — but most do not exhibit noticeable illness.
Because cats groom themselves frequently and are generally less likely to carry heavy tick burdens, the overall risk of clinical Lyme disease in cats is considered low. However, this does not eliminate the need for vigilance during tick season, particularly for outdoor cats.
Preventing Lyme Disease in Pets: Medications and Everyday Strategies
Like many pet owners in our community, prevention often comes down to everyday habits — what we use, what we notice, and the small routines that help keep pets healthy while they enjoy the same outdoor spaces we do.
Prevention is the best strategy against Lyme disease. Here’s how veterinarians help protect pets:
Tick-Control Medications for Lyme Disease Prevention
Veterinarians recommend regular use of tick-control products, including monthly oral or topical medications that kill or repel ticks before transmission can occur. These products significantly reduce the chance that a tick will attach and begin feeding.
Vaccines for Lyme disease are also available for dogs (but not typically used in cats) and may be recommended based on geographic location and lifestyle. Your veterinarian can help determine whether vaccination is appropriate for your dog.
Daily Tick Checks and Outdoor Awareness
- Inspect your pet daily after outdoor time, especially in wooded or grassy areas
- Pay close attention to warm, protected areas such as ears, between toes, under the collar, and along the belly
- Limiting access to tall grass and brush can lower tick exposure
Tick Removal and Lyme Disease Risk: What to Do and When to Seek Help
Even with consistent prevention, ticks can occasionally attach to pets. Knowing how to remove a tick correctly — and when to seek veterinary help — can reduce the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.