Found a Tick on My Dog While She Was on Revolution: Is She Protected From Lyme?

Thanks for your question, Andrew. Revolution protects against fleas, heartworm, ear mites and mange, but its only tick claim is for the American dog tick. It is not labeled to control the black-legged (deer) tick that spreads Lyme disease, so with deer all around you, it's worth asking your vet about a product that covers deer ticks, and whether the Lyme vaccine makes sense for your dog.

The Lyme bacteria generally aren't passed on until a tick has been attached for at least 36 to 48 hours, so she may not have been infected even if the tick was there a while. Most exposed dogs never get sick. If she does, signs usually appear 2 to 5 months later: fever, lameness, swollen joints, low energy or a poor appetite.

Your vet may suggest a Lyme blood test 4 to 8 weeks after the bite. See our guide to Lyme disease in dogs and a similar question from another reader whose dog was on Revolution.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.