Lyme Disease in Dogs: What Every Pet Owner in Fargo Needs to Know
Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses in dogs, and it’s a growing concern in the Fargo-Moorhead area. As our climate changes and ticks expand their range, we’re seeing more cases of Lyme disease each year—sometimes in dogs that rarely leave the backyard.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of a black-legged tick (commonly called the deer tick). A tick must remain attached for 24–48 hours to transmit the bacteria, which is why prevention and early detection are so important.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Many dogs infected with Lyme disease don’t show symptoms right away—some never show them at all. But for those who do, signs may include:
Intermittent lameness (limping on different legs)
Fever
Lethargy
Swollen joints
Loss of appetite
Sensitivity to touch
In rare but serious cases, Lyme disease can lead to kidney damage, which may become life-threatening.
Diagnosing and Treating Lyme Disease
If we suspect your dog has Lyme disease, we can run a simple blood test in our vet clinic in Fargo ND. If the test comes back positive and your pet is showing symptoms, treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics—typically doxycycline—for 30 days. Most dogs respond well, but early intervention is key.
Prevention is Better than Cure
The best way to protect your dog is through monthly tick prevention and the Lyme vaccine, which we recommend for most dogs in our region—especially those who spend time outdoors. Regular tick checks and removing ticks promptly also reduce the risk of transmission.
At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we take Lyme disease seriously. Our veterinary team is here to help you choose the right preventative products and discuss whether vaccination is a good choice for your pet’s lifestyle.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll cover another common tick-borne threat in our area: Anaplasmosis.
