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My dog has a red ring after a tick bite. Is it Lyme disease or something else?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog has all his shots but has a red ring on right shoulder and where we live is a lot of ticks can he get lime disease and I pulled a tick off of head when I noticed the red ring

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 19th, 2017

A tick needs to be attached and feeding for at least 24 hours before Lyme disease can be transmitted. If the tick was not engorged, it is likely it was not on long enough. The ring can be a reaction to the tick bite or any bug bite or sting. Monitor for lethargy, painful joints or swollen joints in the future. Clinical signs can appear as long as 2-5 months after a bite. Always use an appropriate preventative such as Frontline or K9 Advantix every month. If you prefer collars, you can use the Seresto or Preventic collars.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If your dog isn't vaccinated for lyme disease, then yes he can get it. The red ring could also be due to ringworm, which is a fungal infection. I recommend having your dog seen by a vet in the morning. The vet can diagnose if the red ring is caused by lyme disease or ringworm using blood tests, a Wood's lamp, and fungal culture, and can prescribe treatment for it.

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