---
title: "Lyme Disease in Dogs UK"
description: "UK guide — Lyme disease spreads via Ixodes ricinus ticks in woodland and long grass. Lameness, fever, and lethargy after walks."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/lyme-disease-dogs-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/lyme-disease-dogs-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-25"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Lyme Disease in Dogs UK

**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

1. Dog walks through tick habitat
2. Tick attaches and feeds (often 24–48+ hours before bacteria transmission risk rises)
3. Bacteria (*Borrelia* species) enter the bloodstream
4. 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](/health/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](/health/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:

1. Use a **tick removal tool** (hook or card) — not fingers, Vaseline, or burning
2. Twist gently at skin level until the tick releases
3. Clean the area
4. **Do not squash** the tick — dispose safely
5. 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](/health/lungworm-in-dogs-uk) and [worming schedule](/health/dog-worming-schedule-uk) 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

- [Fleas and ticks in pets](/health/fleas-and-ticks-in-pets)
- [Alabama rot UK](/health/alabama-rot-dogs-uk)
- [Adder snake bites in dogs UK](/health/adder-snake-bite-dogs-uk)

## FAQs

### 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.

## Sources

- [PDSA — Ticks on dogs](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [Blue Cross — Ticks and Lyme disease](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)
- [RSPCA — Ticks on pets](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25