The 9 red flag symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs as pet owners issued warning

As temperatures rise and we head further into spring, owners are being urged to stay alert. season has arrived and it can bring serious risks for both your pet and yourself. The sooner Lyme disease is caught, the better the chances of a full recovery so staying aware of the warning signs is key. A expert has warned of the nine top symptoms to look out for now that Spring is in full swing which could help catch the disease early and even save your pet's life.

Dr Hannah Godfrey, vet at , said: "You can recognise a tick by their oval-shaped bodies, and spider-like legs. They're usually very small, less than one centimetre long, and can vary in colour but are often brown or white. Ticks bury their mouthparts deep into the skin of both animals and humans while they feed, then drop off when they're full.

"When they're done feeding, they become a dark grey/brown colour and are much larger in size.

"Ticks are common in woodland and grassland and are most active throughout the spring and summer. Sadly, ticks can carry dangerous bacteria and parasites such as babesiosis, which can pass on to your pets. Babesiosis (the condition caused by the Babesia parasite) causes damage to the red blood cells and can lead to severe anaemia and even organ failure."

The expert listed seven red flags that could mean your dog has Lyme disease:

Lack of appetite

Weight loss

Lethargy

Kidney failure (a severe consequence of Lyme disease)

Paralysis

Loss of coordination in the back legs

Change in breathing

Vomiting/gagging

Change/loss of bark

These symptoms might not appear right away.

Godfrey highlighted that these can show up weeks or even months after a tick bite meaning that regular tick checks and preventive care are key.

She added: "One of the more common diseases transmitted by ticks in the UK is Lyme disease, which can lead to kidney failure in dogs. Early signs of Lyme disease include a lack of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. Symptoms of Lyme disease can appear weeks or months after being bitten, at which point the disease could have spread throughout the body.

"Some tick bites can even cause paralysis in dogs. Symptoms of this usually appear three to nine days after the tick attaches itself. Paralysis typically starts with a loss of back leg coordination, followed by a change in breathing, vomiting or gagging, and a change or loss of bark."

To protect your dog from ticks, regularly check them after walks, use vet-recommended tick control products, and make sure you keep your garden's grass trimmed as ticks are more common in grassy areas. Take your pet to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms, especially during tick season.