Lyme Disease Vaccine for Dogs in Springfield, PA

Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks, which are common in Pennsylvania. Infected dogs can develop fever, lameness, swollen joints and, in some cases, kidney problems.

The Lyme vaccine, along with year-round tick prevention, helps protect dogs who spend time outdoors. We'll recommend it based on your dog's lifestyle and risk of exposure.

Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs

Many dogs exposed to Lyme disease never show symptoms, and when signs appear, it is often weeks or months after a tick bite. Deer ticks are tiny and easy to miss, so you may never know your dog was bitten. Watch for:

Lameness that shifts from one leg to another
Swollen, warm or painful joints
Fever and lethargy
Loss of appetite
Swollen lymph nodes
Increased thirst, vomiting or weight loss, which can signal kidney involvement

A simple blood test can screen for exposure to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. If your dog seems very ill, is vomiting or will not eat, call us or come in right away.

Building a Complete Tick Protection Plan

The Lyme vaccine works best as one layer of protection. Year-round tick prevention is still important, since ticks can be active on mild winter days and can carry other diseases the vaccine does not cover. Your vet can recommend a preventive that fits your dog and explain how to use it correctly.

Check your dog for ticks after walks, hikes and yard time, paying close attention to the ears, neck, armpits, between the toes and under the tail. Remove any tick promptly, since quick removal lowers the chance of disease spreading. Keeping grass trimmed and leaf litter cleared also makes your yard less friendly to ticks.

Questions about Lyme Vaccine?

Call us or book an appointment online, and our team will help you decide on the next step for your pet.

Book Appointment (610) 543-5555

Lyme Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions

How often does my dog need the Lyme vaccine?

Dogs usually receive two initial doses a few weeks apart, followed by a booster every year to maintain protection. Your vet may also recommend screening for tick-borne disease before starting the vaccine series if your dog may already have been exposed.

Can my dog still get Lyme disease if vaccinated?

No vaccine is 100 percent effective, so a vaccinated dog can still be infected in some cases. Combining the vaccine with year-round tick prevention and regular tick checks gives your dog the strongest protection.

Can I get Lyme disease from my dog?

Dogs cannot pass Lyme disease directly to people. However, dogs can carry ticks into your home, and those ticks can bite people. Using tick prevention on your dog and checking everyone after outdoor time helps protect the whole family.

Is the Lyme vaccine safe for dogs?

The Lyme vaccine is considered safe for most dogs. Mild side effects like soreness or tiredness may happen for a day or two. Call us right away if your dog has facial swelling, hives, vomiting or trouble breathing after a vaccine.

Ready to schedule a visit?

Book online, call us, or walk in during open hours.

Book Appointment (610) 543-5555