Ticks in Dogs: Types, USA-Wide Distribution & Ways to Prevent Them

Ticks are external parasites that suck blood from dogs and make them sick. Though these menacing creatures are more active during warm and humid temperatures, they are not completely inactive at any time of the year and the threat of tick infestations persists all year round. Your beloved furry companion may also suffer from various tick-borne diseases as a subsequent effect of tick infestations. The knowledge of ticks commonly found in your locality comes in handy while you are preparing a tick prevention program for your canine. So, where to find this information? Right here!

Read on to learn more about the most common types of ticks found in the USA, where they are found in the country, and how to prevent tick infestations in your dog.

Tick prevalence in the USA

Around 700 species of ticks exist in the world, of which nearly 50 species are found in the USA. But here are the most common ones that easily find their way on your furry friend and need to be taken care of:

Lone star tick

Description: Known as aggressive human biters, lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) are identified by a white, star-shaped spot (lone star) on the back of female ticks. The larvae do not carry disease-causing germs, but the nymphal and adult stages are capable of causing diseases, even to humans.

Region: Found in the eastern, southeastern, and south-central United States. The geographical distribution of lone star ticks is expanding due to changing climatic conditions.

Diseases transmitted: Ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Southern- Tick Associated Rash Illness (STARI)

Brown dog tick

Description: Brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus ) have a distinct reddish-brown color and elongated body shape. All life stages of these ticks can transmit diseases. These ticks prefer to feed on dogs but can feed on other animals and occasionally humans.

Region: Though warmer climates are more suitable to brown dog ticks, they are found worldwide and thus have a presence across the USA.

Diseases transmitted: Canine ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Deer tick (black-legged tick)

Description: Also known as black-legged ticks, deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) get their name from their reproductive host- white-tailed deer. The female tick has a reddish-brown body and a black shield on the back. Both nymph and adult stages can transmit multiple diseases.

Region: Distributed across the eastern United States, most prevalent in the large area between the East Coast and Texas.

Diseases transmitted: Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis

American dog tick

Description: American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) are large in size and have brown and red dotted bodies with elaborate dorsal shields. Adult stages feed on medium-sized hosts like raccoons, cats, dogs, etc. Whereas, larvae & nymph stages infest small mammals like mice, rats, chipmunks, etc.

Region: Found in the eastern part of the United States through the Rocky Mountain region. American dog ticks are also found in a small segment along the west coast, in California.

Diseases transmitted: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia

Rocky Mountain wood tick

Description: Rocky Mountain wood ticks ( Dermacentor andersoni) have a distinguished appearance with their bright red color and teardrop-shaped bodies. Females have white colored shields, while males have gray and white spots on their bodies. All life stages of these ticks can transmit diseases to dogs, cats, and humans.

Region: Distributed across the Rocky Mountain States, including Nebraska, South Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico, and California.

Diseases transmitted: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, Colorado tick fever

Preventing tick infestations

Though a variety of tick treatments are available, it is always better to prevent the infestations as far as possible. Here are some tick treatments that can help you safeguard your canine against the attacks of these eight-legged parasites:

Bravecto Chews: Oral chews that provide 12 weeks of protection against multiple types of ticks. Bravecto treats and controls black-legged tick, American dog tick, brown dog tick and Asian longhorned tick infestations for 12 weeks, and lone star tick infestations for 8 weeks.

NexGard: Flavored chews that treat and control black-legged tick, American dog tick, lone star tick, brown dog tick, and longhorned tick infestations for one month. Nexgard also prevents Lyme disease as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks.

Frontline Plus: A topical solution to kill all life stages of ticks, including brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and deer ticks. It kills ticks that may transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, haemobartonellosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and other tick-borne diseases. It prevents & controls tick re-infestations for one month.

Know more about : Frontline – Recommended by Vets & Trusted by Millions

Ticks are not the only nuisance that troubles your fur baby. If you are looking for comprehensive parasite solutions for your pooch, the following options will be helpful:

Simparica TRIO: Flavored chewable tablets that treat and control lone star tick, Gulf coast tick, American dog tick, black-legged tick, brown dog tick, and Asian longhorned tick infestations; and also kill fleas, treat and prevent flea infestations, treat and control roundworm and hookworm infections, and prevent heartworm disease in dogs for one month. Simparica Trio prevents Lyme disease as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks.

NexGard Spectra: Tasty chews that treat and control brown dog ticks and bush ticks; kill fleas; treat and control mange, mites, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms and prevent heartworm disease in dogs for one month.

Explore : 15 FAQs ABOUT NEXGARD SPECTRA

Before we part

Ticks of different species are widespread across the USA. These menacing creatures can transmit various diseases and thus compromise your dog’s health. Refer to this article to learn about ticks most commonly found in the country and their geographical distribution. Ensure your four-legged friend’s year-round safety by regularly administering parasite preventives. Visit budgetvetcare.com to get the best-quality treatments for your pet at the most affordable rates.