My dog was bitten by a tick. Is not eating a sign of Lyme disease?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Charlie. Oh no, poor boy. Typically signs of Lyme disease include a loss of appetite, fever, reduced energy, lameness, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. It's not typically vomiting, but it could be another tick borne disease. I'm concerned about him, and I think it's best he sees a vet now asap. I would take him into one first thing in the morning. Best of luck.

He would not be showing signs of Ehrlichia after 2 days. It usually takes 1-3 weeks from the time the dog was bitten until the time they show signs. Knoxxx must have something else going on OR he was bitten by a tick before and you didn't notice it. The symptoms you are describing are non-specific signs and could be signs of almost any disease. I hope your vet will be able to figure out what is going on so he will get the proper treatment. Here is an information sheet on Ehrlichiosis in dogs for you to read. This may be helpful for you: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=430 Best wishes.

You are not likely to see Lyme disease in this case. The tick must be attached to the dog for at least 48 hours to transmit Lyme. It is more likely he is just sore - maybe a muscle strain. If he doesn't seem better in another 5 days or so then you should have your vet check him out to be on the safe side.

It's very common for puppies to be a bit sore and lethargic for 24-48 hours after getting a vaccination, just like human kids. Many times, they may not want to eat much or go outside if they are sore. As long as he is alert and responsive, and not having any other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, etc. it should be okay to give him some time and see how he's feeling tomorrow. If you're concerned, you can call your veterinarian at that point or take him in for a recheck exam to make sure that everything is okay.

A tick must be attached and actively feeding for at least 24 hours before the Lyme organism can be transmitted. If the tick was not engorged, it has not yet fed. Monitor for lameness, lethargy, painful joints, fever or loss of appetite. You can present the tick to your vet for identification if you still have it. Consider a topical preventative, collar or oral preventative to prevent fleas and ticks. Discuss options with your veterinarian.

The answer is a bit complicated. Yes, I would be concerned about tick diseases, however the test may or may not show a positive even if he did get infected with lyme disease because it takes about 4 weeks for antibodies to be high enough for the test to detect them. Furthermore, he could have been exposed to lyme disease, but have a different issue causing the signs you're seeing. So, it's definitely a judgement call -- and if your funds are more flexible testing again may give you interesting information, but if your funds are more limited, it may make more sense to just treat for tick diseases with an antibiotic like doxycycline. Of course, your vet may see something on the physical exam or general blood work or x-rays that makes them concerned about something else more than tick disease, in which case pursuing that makes sense. I know that's not horribly helpful, but hopefully it gives you some context to think about.

Hi there! If Arlo was bitten by a tick a while ago and is not doing well now, then Arlo may need to be tested for tick borne diseases and put on a month or two on antibiotics. If Arlo is not eating anything, then that is a bit concerning. I would ask your veterinarian to test for tick borne diseases Arlo may be infected with. In the mean time, you may try feeding small amounts of heated food to entice him but I would revisit with your veterinarian about testing and also antibiotics if he is positive for any tick borne diseases. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!