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My dog tested positive for Lyme/Anaplasmosis, no symptoms. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 3 years old | 68 lbs

I brought my dog to Petco she was tested positive for Lyme disease and ANAP_ASMOSIS I told them she did not have any symptoms and they said if there's no symptoms there's nothing to be worried about but worried don't know whether I should bring it to the vet does she need medicine what should I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 27th, 2018

They are correct. You don't need to worry if Lilly isn't sick. The test is only showing that she has been exposed to the disease(s). It does not mean she is sick or will become sick. I personally would not be worried about it but if you are, then you should make an appointment with a full service veterinarian in your area for a consultation. There is no harm in doing that.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 29th, 2017
I agree. If the dog is not symptomatic I would not start treatment. The test only tells you that she has been exposed to the Lyme bacteria. It does not indicate clinical infection or disease. This does not mean that she won't show clinical signs later on so be mindful of that and if she seems at any time I would take her back to your vet.

So, I am with you. If she was my dog I would not start treatment either.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Emily, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 5th, 2017
This is a little bit of a gray area. Depending on what she was tested for (Lyme disease antibody versus antigen) the positive may just indicate she was exposed to the bacteria and doesn't have an active infection. I would recommend asking the veterinarian that did the test if Reilly was positive for antigen or antibody and if antibody consider further tests as that only indicates exposure. If it is antigen I think going with antibiotics is a reasonable choice.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on May 8th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Those particular Lyme tests do not distinguish between exposure and active infection. Personally I recommend treating the first positive a dog has (not subsequent if not clinical). On these tests dogs can stay positive for life or for several years. I recommend aggressive tick prevention with the Seresto collar or one of the new edible preventatives (Nexgard, Bravecto or Simparica) and start the Lyme vaccines. I treat Lyme disease with 5mg/kg twice daily of doxycycline, which is around 25mg twice daily. These medications need to be prescribed by a Vet that has examined Teddy.

I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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