Dog Lyme Disease in San Jose — Testing & Treatment
Lyme disease is less common in California than in the Northeast, but Bay Area dogs that hike Mount Madonna, the Santa Cruz Mountains, or visit endemic areas are at real risk. ARCH Veterinary screens with the 4DX SNAP test, runs C6 quantitative confirmation, and treats with doxycycline and supportive care.
How dogs get Lyme disease in the Bay Area
The western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) transmits Borrelia burgdorferi. Hot spots include Sanborn County Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods, Big Basin, the Skyline ridge, and parts of Mount Hamilton. Ticks must be attached 24–48 hours to transmit.
Signs of Lyme disease in dogs
Shifting leg lameness, fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, and swollen joints — typically 2–5 months after a tick bite. A small percentage develop Lyme nephritis, a serious kidney complication signaled by vomiting, weight loss, and protein in the urine.
Testing at ARCH
We use the IDEXX 4DX SNAP test (Lyme, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and heartworm) at annual visits for at-risk dogs. Positive Lyme screens are confirmed with C6 quantitative antibody testing and urine protein:creatinine ratio.
Treatment
First-line therapy is doxycycline for 4 weeks. Most dogs improve dramatically within 48–72 hours. We also screen kidney function and treat any pain or joint inflammation supportively.
Prevention
Year-round tick prevention is the most important step — we recommend Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, or Credelio for dogs that hike. The Lyme vaccine is available for high-exposure dogs. We always check pets after hikes and remove ticks promptly with a tick key or fine tweezers.
Advanced veterinary care in San Jose
ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lyme disease common in San Jose?
Less common than in the Northeast, but real for dogs that hike Bay Area redwood and oak woodland trails. Annual 4DX screening is recommended for at-risk dogs.
How long does treatment take?
Most dogs receive 4 weeks of doxycycline. Symptoms usually improve within 2–3 days.
Should I vaccinate my dog?
We discuss the Lyme vaccine for dogs that hike frequently in endemic areas. Tick prevention remains the cornerstone regardless.
How do I safely remove a tick?
Use a tick key or fine tweezers right against the skin and pull straight out — don't twist or use heat. Save the tick in a bag if you want it identified.