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My dog had a tick removed. Should he see a vet for Lyme disease?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Male | neutered | 3 years and 10 months old | 19 lbs

My dog was bitten by a tick on Sunday which was successfully removed. Does he need to go to the vets for a Lyme disease check?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 6th, 2017

I'm glad that you were able to remove the tick from Tom. Deer ticks need to be attached for about 24 hours in order to transmit Lyme disease. Other types of ticks can transmit other tick borne diseases, such as Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. In many cases, it can take up to 6 months for antibodies to develop and register on ELISA blood tests. As long as Tom is doing well, there is no need to take him to his vet at this point. Make sure that he is receiving a high quality flea and tick preventative once a month year round (examples include Nexgard, Bravecto and Adantix), and be sure to mention this tick exposure to his vet at his next exam.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would keep an eye on the spot where Tom was bit by the tick. If the area becomes swollen and remains swollen, then I would have him seen by a vet. An infected tick must be attached for 24-48 hours to transmit Lyme disease, so it may not have been on Tom long enough to transmit Lyme disease. Signs of Lyme disease include sudden lameness, swollen joint, limping, and lethargy, and should you see any of those signs I would take him into the vet

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