Red Ring Around a Bite on My Dog: Could It Be Lyme Disease?

Thank you for writing, Margaret. A small red ring around a bite is most often a local reaction to an insect or tick bite, and the ring itself can't tell you whether your dog has been exposed to Lyme disease. In dogs, Lyme disease usually shows up as fever, lameness, swollen joints, low energy or a poor appetite, typically 2 to 5 months after a tick bite, and most exposed dogs never become sick.

Lyme disease isn't caught from other dogs at a kennel. It is spread by the bite of an infected black-legged (deer) tick, and the tick usually has to stay attached for at least a day or two to pass on the infection. So check your dog carefully for ticks and keep him on a tick preventive your vet recommends.

It's worth having your vet look at the spot if it grows, becomes raised, hot or painful, or if your dog seems unwell. If a tick bite is likely, your vet may suggest a Lyme blood test 4 to 8 weeks later, since earlier tests can miss it. Our guide to Lyme disease in dogs explains the signs to watch for.

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