08/27/2026
A common question we hear at the clinic is, “If my dog is vaccinated against Lyme disease, do they really need a tick preventative too?”
The short answer is yes. While keeping your dog up-to-date on their Lyme vaccine is an excellent first step, relying on it alone leaves dangerous gaps in their defense.
Pairing the vaccine with a reputable monthly preventative creates a multi-layered shield for your pet and your household.
Defense Against Other Diseases: The Lyme vaccine only protects against one specific illness. Ticks carry a cocktail of other dangerous pathogens, such as Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis, which the vaccine cannot prevent.
Protection for Your Family and Home: Ticks can easily hitch a ride on a vaccinated dog, drop off inside your house, and bite human family members. Furthermore, most tick preventatives also kill fleas, stopping stressful home infestations before they start.
The Bottom Line: Think of the vaccine as your backup safety net and the preventative as your front-line defense. Used together, they offer your pup and your family the absolute highest level of protection possible.
