Something’s Not Right with Your Dog? Here’s How I Spotted the Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme disease in dogs can cause limping, lethargy, fever, and aggression. Other signs include swollen joints, loss of appetite, and neurological issues like disorientation. Early detection is crucial. Regular tick checks and vet visits help protect your dog from this tick-borne illness. Act fast if symptoms appear.

If you’ve ever looked at your dog and thought, “You’re not acting like yourself,” you’re not alone. That was me a few months ago with my dog, Luna. One day, she was zooming around the yard like she was chasing ghosts, and the next, she barely lifted her head when I opened a bag of treats. Something was off—and it didn’t feel like the usual lazy dog day.

After a few days of worrying, a vet visit, and a bit of research (read: frantic Googling at 2 a.m.), I learned what we were dealing with: Lyme disease. And let me tell you, I had no idea it could show up the way it did. If you’re here wondering whether your pup’s strange behavior might be more than just a mood, keep reading. These are the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs I wish I had known sooner.

First Clue: The Spark Was Gone

Luna’s the kind of dog who lives life in fast-forward. So when she started laying around like she’d lost her purpose, I took notice. No tail wagging, no eager runs to the door when the leash came out. She didn’t even flinch when a squirrel ran across the fence—that’s when I really knew something was wrong.

Dogs can’t tell us they’re feeling sick, but they have their ways of showing it. A lack of energy or a sudden disinterest in things they normally love isn’t just a personality shift. It can be one of the first symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs.

Weird Limping That Comes and Goes

A few days later, Luna started limping. Naturally, I checked her paws for thorns, cuts, anything. Nothing there. By the next morning, the limp had switched legs. That back-and-forth made no sense. But guess what? That’s exactly how Lyme disease plays its game—migrating joint pain that tricks you into thinking it’s something minor.

Don’t wait for the limping to go away. If your dog is hobbling around or moving stiffly, especially if it keeps changing legs, get them checked. Lyme-related joint issues are sneaky, and they only get worse over time.

Her Mood Changed, and It Wasn’t Just the Weather

Luna’s usually a sweetheart. Loves everyone. But she started acting strange—kind of cranky. She growled at my cousin, which was wildly out of character. At first, I thought maybe she was just in a bad mood. But nope—irritability and uncharacteristic behavior can also be among the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs. It’s like they’re dealing with discomfort but don’t know how to show it except through frustration.

Food? No Thanks

This one hit me hard. Luna lives for food. The second she hears a bag crinkle, she’s in the kitchen like a rocket. But suddenly, her bowl would sit full for hours. Even her favorite chicken snacks didn’t do the trick.

When a food-loving dog turns up their nose, it’s not just picky behavior. Loss of appetite is a big red flag. If this is happening along with any of the other symptoms we’ve talked about—get to a vet. Quickly.

A Fever You Might Not Notice Right Away

I’d cuddle Luna, and she’d feel warmer than usual. But dogs run hotter than us anyway, right? I didn’t think much of it at first. Still, something didn’t sit right, so I bought a dog thermometer. Her temp? Way above normal.

A fever is one of the more overlooked symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs. And you don’t need to be a vet to notice it—just touch their ears, belly, or inner legs. If they’re hotter than usual and acting tired or mopey, don’t wait around.

Some Gut Trouble, Too

One morning, Luna threw up her breakfast. Then she had loose stools. Gross? Yep. But scary, too. She looked miserable, and I could tell she was dehydrated. These symptoms aren’t always present in Lyme cases, but they’re not rare either. When Lyme affects the gut, it can really take a toll on your pup’s energy and hydration.

So if you’re seeing vomiting, diarrhea, or both, especially paired with the other signs, that’s your cue to act fast.

The Skin Surprise: A Bald Spot

Ticks are nasty little things, and sometimes the spot they bite doesn’t heal cleanly. Luna had a weird patch of red, itchy skin near her belly that she wouldn’t stop licking. Eventually, it turned into a small bald spot.

Turns out, some dogs show symptoms of Lyme disease right on their skin. Irritation, scabbing, or fur loss—especially near places ticks like to hide (ears, belly, legs)—shouldn’t be ignored.

Disorientation? That Was the Scariest

One night, Luna walked into a room and just stared at the wall for a few minutes. Like she forgot why she was there. I thought maybe she was just zoning out, but it kept happening.

This was the part that really shook me. In rare cases, Lyme can mess with a dog’s nervous system. Confusion, poor coordination, or even seizures can show up. If you ever see this in your dog, drop everything and call your vet.

What Helped Us Most

What saved Luna was catching it before things got worse. We got her on antibiotics quickly, and within a week, she started acting more like herself. By the end of the month, it was like it never happened.

The vet told me something I’ll never forget: “The earlier you spot the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs, the easier it is to treat.” He was right.

Now, I do tick checks religiously. Every walk, every hike, every brush with tall grass—I check. And I use a tick prevention chew every month. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Key Takeaways for Dog Parents

Here’s the quick list I keep on my fridge now:

🐾 Limping that moves from leg to leg

🐾 Sudden tiredness or low energy

🐾 Acting cranky or different

🐾 Refusing food or losing weight

🐾 Warm to the touch (possible fever)

🐾 Vomiting or diarrhea

🐾 Red skin or bald patches

🐾 Confusion or odd behavior

If your dog has even two or three of these signs, don’t wait. Talk to your vet and mention you’re worried about Lyme disease. The tests are quick, the treatment works, and your pup will thank you.

Final Thoughts

Our dogs can’t speak, but they’re always telling us things. You just have to watch closely. If I had waited even another week, Luna might’ve been dealing with long-term joint damage or worse.I was lucky—but prepared now. So if your pup isn’t acting right and your gut says something’s up, trust that instinct. Learning to recognize the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs could be what brings your best friend back to their goofy, tail-wagging self.

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