Vaccine details

Lyme diseaseis a tick - borne infection , because of the bacteriumBorrelia burgdorferi . Lyme disease is found on multiple Continent , including North America , Europe , and Asia . Within the U.S. , Lyme disease was first observed in the Northeast and remain most common in that orbit ; however , it is now found across much of the land .

Lyme disease is the most commontick - borne infectiondiagnosed in dogs in the United States . In 2022 , 4 percent of cuspid line samples sent to a reference research lab for Lyme disease testing were positivistic for infection ( 1 ) .

Clinical signs of Lyme disease vary importantly . In many wienerwurst , Lyme disease is completely symptomless . These dogs show no star sign of illness . roughly 10 per centum of septic domestic dog , however , develop clinical house of Lyme disease several months after being turn by an infected ticking ( 2 ) . Common clinical signs of Lyme disease in bounder include fever , lethargy , andlimping . Dogs with modest signal can typically be treated successfully with antibiotics . A small percentage of infect dogs go on to explicate a serious kidney disease , cognise as Lyme Bright’s disease , which can be calamitous despite treatment .

dog getting lyme vaccine

What is the Lyme Disease Vaccine?

Although the syndrome now know as Lyme disease was first identified in human patients in 1975,Borrelia burgdorferi(the bacteria that causes the disease ) was not name until 1981 . The first canine Lyme vaccine was inclose in 1992 ( 3 ) .

The Lyme vaccinum for dog is usable at most veterinary clinics , especially in areas where Lyme disease place a significant scourge . Even in dispirited - risk areas , many veterinarians deport this vaccinum to protect pawl travel to Lyme - autochthonal sphere . If your veterinarian does not carry this vaccine , they may be able to obtain it for you or channelize you to another clinic where you could take in it .

This vaccine does not want a specialist sojourn and can often be administered with your dog ’s other vaccinations at a routine health visit .

tick that carries Lyme disease

How Does the Lyme Vaccine for Dogs Work?

There are several different Lyme vaccine usable , each made by unlike manufacturer . While these vaccines all differ slightly , each carry small amounts of the verboten surface proteins find on Lyme bacterium . Some vaccine hold entire killed bacteria ( including their outer open proteins ) , while other vaccinum contain only lab - created knocked out Earth’s surface proteins . disregarding of the delivery data format , it is these outer surface protein that are primarily responsible for for the trunk ’s immune response .

When a dog find a Lyme vaccinum , the immune system develops antibodies against the out aerofoil proteins found in the vaccines . This primes the dog ’s immune system to respond to these proteins if they are encountered in the future . This chemical reaction kills the bacteria , foreclose infection .

One interesting characteristic of Lyme vaccine is that , in many cases , the vaccine behave within the check mark instead of within the bounder . Borrelia burgdorferilives within the intestine of an infected tick and is innovate to a frump via a ticking insect bite . When a tick bites a dog , however , it also ingests the hound ’s blood line . This blood contains antibodies againstB. burgdorferi , which straightaway begin to set on the bacteria within the tick ’s bowel , instead of waiting for the bacteria to be introduced to the dog .

dog in high grass outside

Lyme VaccinationSchedulefor Dogs

An initial Lyme vaccinum can be given as early as 8 - 9 weeks of historic period ( reckon on the maker ) . After the initial vaccinum , a booster vaccinum must be devote 3 - 4 weeks later . The dog is considered to be protected against Lyme disease four weeks after receiving the 2nd Lyme vaccination .

For long - terminal figure auspices , the Lyme vaccinum must be repeated once annually for the remnant of your dog ’s life . If your dog is importantly overdue for its annual booster amplifier , your veterinarian may urge restarting the initial two - vaccine series .

Lyme Vaccine for Dogs:Side Effects

Vaccinations set off a response from the immune system of rules . Therefore , balmy side effect are normal and carry . Expected effects may let in a mild fever , lassitude , tenderness at the internet site of the vaccine , and decreased appetency . Just like when you get a grippe shot , your dog ’s response to a vaccine may result in mild , little - lived signs of unwellness .

at times , more serious reaction occur . Although serious vaccine reactions are rare , they need prompt action . These reactions indicate an sensitized chemical reaction to a component of the vaccinum .

Signs of an hypersensitized reaction to Lyme vaccination include :

Woman discussing vaccine with veterinarian

If your dog feel a vaccine response , contact your vet straightaway . Your veterinarian will aid you determine whether your dearie ’s reaction can be bring off at dwelling house or whether your dog needs emergency treatment . Once the straightaway reaction has been addressed , your veterinary surgeon will lecture about future plans to fall the likelihood of a alike reaction in the future .

Manufacturersof the Lyme Disease Vaccine for Dogs

There are five unlike Lyme vaccines licensed for usance within the U.S. :

While there are slight differences in how these vaccines are farm and their mechanisms of action , all five are comparable in prophylactic and efficacy .

Costof the Lyme Disease Vaccine for Dogs

The Lyme vaccine typically costs $ 20-$40 , depending on your location . Remember that your dog will ask two vaccine the first class , then one vaccine yearly .

so as to administer the vaccine , your veterinarian will also in all probability demand to execute a physical exam . examination charges vary by geographic position , but typically range from $ 40-$80 . In many cases , however , the Lyme vaccinum is administered at a routine health visit , eliminate the need for a separate exam fee .

Does Your Dog Need the Lyme Vaccine?

The Lyme vaccine is a non - core vaccine . This means that it is not required for all dogs . rather , the conclusion of whether to vaccinate a particular dog for Lyme disease is based on an individual peril judgement .

blackguard that are at high endangerment of Lyme disease admit :

If your detent survive in or trip to the northeastern United States , your veterinary surgeon is probable to highly recommend Lyme vaccination . If you survive elsewhere in the country , your veterinarian ’s good word will calculate on your dog ’s lifestyle . For example , a toy breed dog that egest on smitten tablet and never move outdoors probably does not need a Lyme vaccine . A dog in a low - risk area that goes hiking regularly with its proprietor , however , may gain from vaccination .

Lyme disease prevention in dogs requires more than just a vaccine , however . Like any other vaccine , Lyme vaccines are not 100 percent effective . In fact , tick control is exhibit to be more effective at preventing Lyme disease than vaccination alone ( 4 ) . Therefore , any dog at endangerment of Lyme disease must be kept on an effective check mastery , to help prevent not only Lyme disease but also other tick - borne disease . In dogs at high risk of Lyme disease , however , vaccination provides an important backup bed of protection .