Sample script: How can I tell if my pet has Lyme disease?

Ms. Jones: How can I tell if my pet has Lyme disease?

You: The signs of Lyme disease can be varied and may be vague at first, so you might not have any idea that your pet is sick. And Lyme disease symptoms may be similar to the signs of other illnesses. Joint pain is the most common sign of Lyme disease in dogs. Fever may also occur.

Pets are exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, via tick bite after at least 24 to 48 hours of attachment. Lyme disease can affect humans, dogs and, less commonly, cats. The signs of Lyme disease may not appear until several weeks to months after exposure to an infected tick.

We can test your dog annually for exposure to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, which may help with early detection. Just keep in mind, there can be a false negative if we test soon after exposure. And be aware that exposure to the bacteria doesn't mean your dog will actually develop Lyme disease.

If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria or shows signs of Lyme disease, please contact us so we can examine and test your pet.

Jenna Stregowski, RVT, has worked in veterinary medicine since 1997. She is a hospital manager in Atlanta, Georgia, and the writer and editor of the website dogs.about.com.