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My dog tested positive for Lyme but has no symptoms. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 5 years and 4 months old | 13.5 lbs

During our routine annual shots, a Lyme Test was done and came back positive. He has never shown any symptoms. So we were surprised. Should I give him antibiotics? Is yes which one, dosage and length of treatment for a 13 lb Malti-poo? Any other treatment options suggestions?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 8th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Those particular Lyme tests do not distinguish between exposure and active infection. Personally I recommend treating the first positive a dog has (not subsequent if not clinical). On these tests dogs can stay positive for life or for several years. I recommend aggressive tick prevention with the Seresto collar or one of the new edible preventatives (Nexgard, Bravecto or Simparica) and start the Lyme vaccines. I treat Lyme disease with 5mg/kg twice daily of doxycycline, which is around 25mg twice daily. These medications need to be prescribed by a Vet that has examined Teddy. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 16th, 2017

    It really depends which test has been done, if the specific test he had done tests for antibodies, then he may continue to test positive because he suffered from the disease not very long ago and still has (and will for a long time) antibodies for lyme disease in his blood. you need to request either a PCR or Antigen test to be done in order to be sure that he is indeed still suffering from the disease.

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