Let’s talk about Lyme disease today, and specifically, if bulldogs get Lyme disease in the UK. Plenty of celebrities have openly spoken about the disease in recent years, including Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain, Ben Stiller, and Bella Hadid. But what about pets? Bulldogs? Other breeds, and other animals?
Let’s take a closer look.
Is Lyme disease in the UK?
Yes, Lyme disease is found in the UK; although, thankfully, numbers are low, and the condition is somewhat rare.
According to official reports, 1,500 human cases of Lyme disease are confirmed by laboratory testing each year in the United Kingdom, with a further estimated 1,000 to 2,000 cases diagnosed without lab testing.
Known scientifically as borreliosis, it is a disease that can affect dogs and other animals following a bite from an infected tick. The infection is caused by a specific bacterium: Borrelia burgdorferi, and it can be fatal if not treated – for both humans and bulldogs.
Your bulldog can’t give you Lyme disease, but you can become infected if an infected tick also bites you. The good news is one tick usually bites just one time – and only 4% of all ticks in the UK are thought to be infected with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.
Can bulldogs get Lyme disease in the UK?
Yes, bulldogs can get Lyme disease in the UK, if they are bitten by a Borrelia burgdorferi-infected tick.
The tick carries the bacteria in its saliva. When it bites a dog (or other animal,) the bacteria then transfer into the victim’s bloodstream – but only if it is left to feed for a minimum of 24 hours. If the tick is removed before then, the infection doesn’t have the opportunity to spread to the bloodstream.
Some dogs have an immune system that fights the bacteria well, prevents the infection from causing damage, and essentially sails through without a single symptom of sign. Their immune system does exactly what it’s meant to do, and it fights the infection.
Other dogs are, unfortunately, not so lucky. Their immune system isn’t enough to fight the bacteria, so the disease can progress.
Initial symptoms can seem vague – drinking a little more, limping a bit, perhaps dragging a leg. With time symptoms can get a lot worse. Your bulldog might not want to eat, might have enlarged lymph nodes, and worse.
Over time, the symptoms lead to very serious problems, such as kidney malfunction and failure, serious weight loss, malnutrition, and even death.
There is good news, though!
You can prevent your bulldog from getting Lyme disease.
How to prevent your bulldog from getting Lyme disease
There are actually a few different ways that you can actively prevent your dog from getting bitten by ticks and/or contracting Lyme disease.
These include:
- Vaccinations – two vaccinations initially, followed by annual boosters
- Topical flea, tick, etc. treatments
- Tick collars
- Using treatments all throughout the year, not just in summer
- Avoiding high-risk, high-tick areas – i.e. long grass in summer
- Give your dog’s body a once-over for ticks when you get inside
- Remove ticks with an appropriate tool immediately
- Speak to your vet about ticks that can’t be removed/any other issues
Can bulldogs get Lyme disease: conclusion
Yes, bulldogs can get Lyme disease in the UK.
Yes, Lyme disease is in the UK.
But also, Lyme disease and tick bites can be prevented. Early tick bites can be removed and treated. That’s exactly what your vet is for, just as you would go to your local GP with an affliction you can’t treat by yourself, at home.
As we always say, it’s much better to be safe rather than sorry.
Always speak to your vet if you have any health concerns regarding your bulldog.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Frank the Bulldog hopes you have a fabulous day.