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My dog had a tick. How long until Lyme disease symptoms show up?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 8 years and 7 months old | 130 lbs

We found an enlarged tick on my dog last night. It has been removed, but I am wondering how long it might take for symptoms of Lyme disease might show...if it was a lyme carrying tick.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 1st, 2017

Clinical illness typically occurs 2-5 months after infection, however only about 10% of positive dogs will ever develop clinical illness from infection. So your dog may not become clinical even if the tick was carrying Lyme. The best thing is to screen for the disease with a yearly test, especially if you live in an endemic area for Lyme disease. Also, make sure to use a flea and tick prevention, like NexGard, Frontline, Bravecto, etc. Also, talk to your vet about vaccinating for Lyme disease if your dog is not already protected.

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there and thanks for your post. The tick has to be attached for 48 hours in order for it to transmit Lyme disease. It may take a couple of months at least for symptoms to appear once infected. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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