The Rising Threat of Lyme Disease in Florida Pets: What Pet Owners Need to Know

image of black-legged tick carrying Lyme disease.

As more people relocate from the Northeast to Florida, particularly from areas where Lyme disease is prevalent, veterinarians are seeing a concerning rise in Lyme disease cases in pets. Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks), has long been a threat in the New England region. However, recent studies indicate that these ticks are becoming more common in Florida, bringing Lyme disease with them.

The Spread of Lyme Disease in Florida

Traditionally, Lyme disease was not a major concern for Florida pet owners, as the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) was primarily found in the Northeast, Midwest, and Upper South. However, as people and their pets move south, they have unknowingly introduced infected ticks into new environments. Warmer winters and changes in habitat are also allowing black-legged tick populations to expand, further increasing the risk of Lyme disease transmission.

Recent studies have shown an uptick in the number of black-legged ticks testing positive for Borrelia burgdorferi in parts of Florida, particularly in wooded and grassy areas. This means that both humans and pets—especially dogs—are at greater risk of exposure.

How Lyme Disease is Transmitted

Black-legged ticks carry Lyme disease.

Black-legged ticks must be attached for a prolonged period to transmit Lyme disease. Research suggests that:

  • It takes 24 to 48 hours of attachment for an infected tick to transmit Borrelia burgdorferi to a dog, cat, or human.
  • Because of this delay, prompt removal of ticks significantly reduces the risk of infection.

Ticks often go unnoticed because they are small, particularly in their nymph stage. Pets that spend time outdoors in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas—even in backyards—are at risk of picking up ticks.

Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Pets

Dogs are more susceptible to Lyme disease than cats, though cases in felines have been reported. Symptoms may take weeks or even months to appear after a tick bite. Common signs in dogs include:

  • Lameness (shifting-leg lameness or joint swelling)
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Loss of appetite
  • In severe cases, kidney damage, which can be life-threatening

Cats may exhibit more subtle symptoms, such as fever and lethargy, but Lyme disease in felines remains relatively rare.

Lethargic young Jack Russell terrier inflicted with Lyme Disease.

Treatment for Lyme Disease in Pets

If your pet is diagnosed with Lyme disease, the primary treatment is a course of antibiotics, typically doxycycline, for at least four weeks. Some pets may also require anti-inflammatory medications to manage joint pain and discomfort. In more severe cases, particularly if Lyme disease affects the kidneys, hospitalization and intensive treatment may be necessary.

While many dogs recover well with treatment, some may experience lingering symptoms or develop chronic Lyme disease, which can lead to ongoing joint and kidney issues.

How to Protect Your Pets and Yourself from Lyme Disease

With the increase in Lyme disease risk in Florida, it’s crucial for pet owners to take proactive steps to protect both their animals and themselves:

  • Use Year-Round Tick Prevention: Veterinary-approved flea and tick preventatives, including oral medications, topical treatments, and tick collars, are essential for pets. These products can kill ticks before they have a chance to transmit disease.
  • Check for Ticks Daily: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly inspect your pet for ticks, focusing on hidden areas like the ears, under the collar, between the toes, and near the tail.
  • Remove Ticks Properly: If you find a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull it out with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or crushing the tick, as this can release infectious material.
  • Vaccinate High-Risk Dogs: A Lyme disease vaccine is available for dogs and may be recommended for pets that frequently spend time in wooded or grassy areas. Discuss with your veterinarian whether this vaccine is right for your dog.
  • Maintain Your Yard: Keeping your lawn mowed, removing leaf litter, and creating a barrier of wood chips or gravel between your yard and wooded areas can help reduce tick populations.
  • Protect Yourself: When hiking or spending time in nature, wear long sleeves, use insect repellent containing DEET, and stay on trails to minimize exposure to ticks.

Stay Vigilant: Lyme Disease Awareness in Tampa Bay

While Lyme disease was once considered a problem primarily in the Northeast, it is now a growing concern in Florida. With black-legged ticks increasingly found in the state, pet owners must be diligent about prevention. At Dunedin Animal Medical Center, we offer tick prevention solutions, Lyme disease testing, and treatment options to help keep your pets safe and healthy.

If you have concerns about Lyme disease or need tick prevention for your pet, contact us at 727-738-2273 or visit dunedinamc.com to schedule an appointment.

By staying informed and proactive, we can help reduce the spread of Lyme disease and protect both pets and people in the Tampa Bay area.