At Vets to Pets, we’ve reimagined veterinary care by bringing gold-quality, Fear Free patient directly in the comfort of your own home. From wellness exams and vaccinations to lab work, parasite testing, ultrasonography, microchipping, and advanced diagnostics, our team provides compassionate, personalized care in a calm and familiar setting where pets feel at ease.

Preventing illness is one of the most important ways we help dogs live long, healthy lives. In Virginia, one disease we see with increasing frequency is Lyme disease, which is a tick-borne illness that can cause significant health problems in dogs and, in some cases, humans.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged (deer) tick. Dogs exposed to infected ticks may develop symptoms that range from mild to serious.

Common signs include:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Joint pain or stiffness
  • Swelling in joints (lameness that can shift from leg to leg)
  • Rarely, kidney issues (especially in genetically susceptible breeds)

Because symptoms can be subtle or intermittent, many cases go undiagnosed without testing.

Lyme Disease Vaccination

The Lyme vaccine works by stimulating your dog’s immune system to recognize and defend against the bacteria responsible for the disease. It is recommended for dogs at risk of tick exposure, particularly those who spend time outdoors in wooded, grassy, or suburban environments where ticks are common. In Northern Virginia, where tick populations are high, most dogs benefit from Lyme vaccination as part of their preventive care plan.

Vaccination is most effective when combined with consistent tick prevention products such as Bravecto, Simparica, or Revolution Plus. Together, these strategies provide comprehensive protection against tick-borne disease.

Vaccination Schedule

  • Puppies and dogs with no prior Lyme vaccination: Two initial doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart
  • Adult dogs with prior vaccination: Annual booster recommended for continued protection

At Vets to Pets, we are happy to help you determine whether your dog’s lifestyle and local tick prevalence make Lyme vaccination a priority.

Why Vaccination Matters

Lyme disease can lead to painful arthritis, kidney disease, and other complications that affect your dog’s quality of life. Vaccination, combined with year-round tick prevention, significantly reduces the risk of infection. It also contributes to a safer environment for your family by lowering the overall presence of infected ticks around your home.

At Vets to Pets

We take a personalized approach to canine vaccination. Lyme disease prevention is tailored to your dog’s risk factors, including outdoor activity, geographic location, and exposure to wildlife.

By combining vaccination with year-round tick prevention, we give your dog the best protection possible, keeping them healthy, active, and safe.