Dog Health
Lyme Disease in Dogs UK — Tick Bites, Symptoms & Prevention
Published Last updated 3 min read
Quick answer
Lyme disease in UK dogs is spread by sheep ticks (Ixodes ricinus) in woodland, heathland, and long grass — especially spring to autumn. Watch for lameness, fever, and lethargy after walks. Use vet-recommended tick prevention and remove ticks promptly.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease (also called Lyme borreliosis) is a bacterial infection spread by infected ticks. In the UK, the main vector is the sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus).
According to the PDSA and Blue Cross, ticks are found across England, Scotland, and Wales — particularly in:
- Woodland and forest edges
- Moorland and heath
- Long grass and bracken
- Deer and wildlife habitats
Not every tick carries Lyme bacteria — but because you cannot tell by looking, treat all tick bites seriously.
How dogs get Lyme disease
- Dog walks through tick habitat
- Tick attaches and feeds (often 24–48+ hours before bacteria transmission risk rises)
- Bacteria (Borrelia species) enter the bloodstream
- Signs may appear days to weeks later
Lyme is not spread directly between dogs or from dogs to people — but dogs and owners share the same tick-exposed environments.
See also: Fleas and ticks in pets
Symptoms in dogs
Signs vary. Some dogs show mild or intermittent illness.
| Symptom | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lameness | May shift between legs — see Dog limping causes |
| Fever & lethargy | Reluctance to walk or play |
| Swollen painful joints | Stiffness after rest |
| Reduced appetite | Weight loss if prolonged |
| Kidney involvement | Rare but serious in chronic cases |
A bullseye skin rash — common in people — is uncommon and hard to see under dog fur.
Tick removal — do it correctly
The Blue Cross recommends:
- Use a tick removal tool (hook or card) — not fingers, Vaseline, or burning
- Twist gently at skin level until the tick releases
- Clean the area
- Do not squash the tick — dispose safely
- Note the date — watch for illness over the next weeks
If mouthparts remain, ask your vet — do not dig aggressively at home.
Prevention for UK dogs
- Year-round vet-recommended tick treatment — tablets, collars, or spot-ons
- Daily tick checks after walks — ears, neck, armpits, between toes
- Keep paths clear where possible — avoid brushing through long vegetation
- Lyme vaccination — available in the UK for some dogs; discuss with your vet based on local exposure
Combine with lungworm prevention and worming schedule as your vet advises.
Diagnosis and treatment
Your vet may diagnose Lyme based on:
- History of tick exposure
- Clinical signs
- Blood tests for antibodies or infection
Treatment is usually antibiotics prescribed by your vet. Most dogs respond well if caught early. Chronic or kidney-related Lyme needs longer management.
When to see your vet
Book an appointment for lameness, fever, or lethargy after tick exposure — even if the tick was removed.
Emergency care if your dog collapses, has pale gums, or stops urinating.
Related guides
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
Related guides
- Fleas and Ticks on Dogs and Cats: Prevention, Removal & When to Worry
- Why Is My Dog Limping? Causes & When to See the Vet
- Lungworm in Dogs UK — Angiostrongylus Vasorum Symptoms & Prevention
- Dog Worming Schedule UK — Puppies, Adults & Lungworm Prevention
- Alabama Rot in Dogs UK — CRGV Symptoms, Season & Mud Advice
- Adder Snake Bites in Dogs UK — Signs, First Aid & When to Call a Vet
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can dogs get Lyme disease in the UK?
- Yes — Lyme disease (borreliosis) occurs in the UK, spread by Ixodes ricinus sheep ticks in woodland, moorland, and long grass. Not every tick carries the bacteria, but prompt removal reduces risk.
- What are symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs?
- Shifting lameness, fever, lethargy, swollen joints, and reduced appetite are common. Some dogs show few signs initially — symptoms may appear weeks after a tick bite.
- How do I prevent Lyme disease in my dog?
- Use vet-recommended year-round tick prevention, check for ticks after walks, and remove attached ticks promptly with a tick removal tool. Avoid tick habitats where possible in peak season.
- Can Lyme disease spread from dogs to people?
- Dogs do not transmit Lyme directly to people — but dogs can bring unattached ticks into the home. Both species are bitten by the same ticks in the same environments.