Yes. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by tick bites. As ticks are very prevalent along Michigan dunes and natural areas, it's important to make sure your dog doesn't have too many of them on his/her body. When going to the beach with your dog, check him/her thoroughly for ticks before entering the water and look again after he/she is done playing in the water. It is very important to remove ticks as soon as possible since they can transmit Lyme and other tick-borne diseases (e.g., ehrlichiosis) if left untreated for a long period of time.