Different tick bites?

[People Whisperer]

Does anyone know how to recognize Lyme's tick bite? I have been removing ticks from Lily every now and then and today (for the first time) I have noticed that the areas where the ticks were had a big red circle and the middle of it is kind of infected (just a little bit). Usually, I use the "ticked off" and I can feel a little bump but that's it. I am worrying!!!

[People Whisperer]

Lyme's Disease generally presents with an erythema migrans (EM) rash.  It is generally round or oval, and is either uniformly red or has a white ring in the middle (like a bulls-eye). 

Because the EM rash means a definite presence of the Lyme bacteria, I would definitely take her to the vet to get checked out.  Good luck, and keep us posted!

It looks like the circle is drying out though. The reason I don't want to take her to the vet yet is because it takes 10-30 days for Lyme's to show up positive. Also, from what I read, the tick had to be present for 2-3 days on dog's body in order to infect it and I know for sure that those ticks  didn't stay for this long. I inspect Lily every day and remove ticks like it's my night job, LOL!
I will keep you posted

[mama23+pyrs2]

Are ticks really common for them to get? Or does it depend on where you live? I've never had a problem with ticks on dogs. I remember one of my Golden's growing up getting 1 maybe on 2 occasions, but it was a rare thing.

I hope Lily doesn't have that though, ick!

[People Whisperer]

Are ticks really common for them to get? Or does it depend on where you live? I've never had a problem with ticks on dogs. I remember one of my Golden's growing up getting 1 maybe on 2 occasions, but it was a rare thing.

I hope Lily doesn't have that though, ick!

We live in MD and they are common here. I remove 1-2 a day!!! But that's because we are going hiking every day. You are in FL so you are good. When Lily was 4 months old we had to go to CT and stay at our relatives "forested" house. Gosh, I was taking 3-4 off of her every time I took her pee!
I hate ticks!

[mama23+pyrs2]

Ugh, that's so gross..I wouldn't want that job and poor Lily! I was just reading up on them and how common they are up there. I know they are here but not near as bad. Guess that's 2 things I can add to my 'good about Florida' list. That and the fact that the weather is nice in winter lol.

[sc.trojans]

Hi:

East Jenn provided a good description of the bullseye effect from the presence of Lyme.  It is also worth clarifying however that if the tick really pinched and was holding on good - even if not engorged - then it could leave behind quite a red welt.  The key is to look for the white inner bullseye, as red irritation in and of itself is not an indicator.

Good luck!