Your Dog’s Lyme Test Is Positive. What Comes Next?

A positive Lyme antibody screening result deserves a conversation with the veterinarian, but it does not by itself prove that Lyme disease is causing your dog’s current symptoms. Some dogs with positive results remain well.

Cornell’s canine Lyme overview explains that most exposed dogs do not become sick and that kidney complications, although less common, can be serious. The next step should connect the test to the dog’s condition and history, not automatically treat a red flag on the report as the entire diagnosis.

Find out which test was performed

Ask for the report and the clinician’s explanation of what the test detects. Bring records of earlier Lyme tests, treatment and vaccination if available. Different tests and a changing history can make a simple positive-versus-negative comparison misleading.

Write down any recent lameness, fever, tiredness, reduced appetite or changes in drinking and urination. Include when each began. If your dog seems normal, say that too; do not manufacture symptoms to make the result sound more convincing.

VCA’s Lyme guidance notes that testing alone does not confirm that clinical signs are caused by the infection. Other causes may still need investigation when a dog is unwell.

Ask why urine testing may be recommended

Cornell describes urine screening as one possible part of assessing a dog diagnosed with Lyme. Ask what the team is checking and whether any further measurement is needed after an initial urine finding.

If protein is found, the question is what that means for this dog, not which retail food has the most appealing protein percentage. Our urine protein-to-creatinine ratio guide explains a separate follow-up measurement that the clinician may discuss.

Do not start a kidney diet or change prescribed treatment on the basis of the screening result alone.

Make the follow-up explicit

Ask what the team recommends now, what would prompt reassessment and when testing should be repeated if appropriate. If treatment is prescribed, get the administration and review instructions in writing rather than using leftover antibiotics.

Report a dog who becomes markedly unwell, stops eating, vomits or develops other concerning changes promptly. Keep tick prevention in the plan even after a positive test; the result is not protection against future exposure.

A useful visit ends with an agreed next decision and a contact plan, rather than a promise that one positive result predicts the same course for every dog.

Written by PARTNER Editorial Team for general education. Contact your veterinary team for advice about your pet’s individual health and feeding needs.