People living in areas where ticks are common are typically well aware of the risks and are diligent in protecting themselves from tick bites. However, pets, especially dogs, are at an even greater risk.
Canine friends are a part of the family, and pet owners want to do everything in their power to prevent their dogs from getting any tick-borne diseases. Not only that, but dogs can also bring ticks into the home, possibly exposing you and your family to tick bites.
One type of tick that dogs in certain areas may be particularly susceptible to is the dermacentor variabilis, otherwise known as the American Dog Tick. Let’s learn more about this type of tick, the associated risks, and how to protect your pets – and yourself.
Characteristics of the American Dog Tick
American Dog Ticks are hard ticks, meaning they have a rigid shield behind their mouthparts. Adults are a chestnut brown with white streaks or spots on their backs. Engorged females may turn a gray color.
Different types of ticks have varying relationships with hosts throughout their life cycles. American Dog Ticks are three-host ticks. This means that they have a different host in each of the three stages of their life cycle. Each of these hosts provides a blood meal, allowing the tick to grow into the next phase of life.
Larvae and nymphs feed on small mammals like rats, chipmunks, and mice. Adults typically opt for medium-sized hosts like raccoons, skunks, and, of course, dogs.
These ticks have a relatively long lifespan and can survive up to two years without a host at any life stage.
Where are American Dog Ticks Found?
American Dog Ticks are found throughout North America but are most often found between the East Coast and The Rocky Mountains. It can sometimes be found along the west coast as well, mostly in California.
They prefer to stay along the edge of forests and particularly like areas with little or no tree cover, like scrublands, trails, sidewalks, and grassy fields. Although you can find them year-round, they are most active in the spring.
The American Dog Tick’s Risk to Humans
Adult and nymph American Dog Ticks can transmit the bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). RMSF is the deadliest tick-borne disease in the world, and can cause symptoms like fever, nausea and vomiting, rash, abdominal pain, and respiratory issues.
When adult American Dog Ticks attach to humans, they often climb to the crown of the head. From here, they may attach for one to two days before detaching and wandering away to mate with an attached female. Adult female American Dog Ticks detach from their host once engorged (this takes about a week), then lay their eggs in leaf litter before dying. They may lay over 4,000 eggs at this time.
These ticks can also transmit the bacteria that causes Tularemia. In humans, this infection can cause symptoms like skin ulcers, inflamed eyes, sore throat, mouth sores, diarrhea, painful lymph glands, and pneumonia.
The American Dog Tick’s Risk to Pets
American Dog Ticks aren’t just a risk to humans. Dogs can also contract life-threatening illnesses from tick bites.
If your dog gets a bite from an American Dog Tick, they are at risk of contracting:
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever caused by the bacteria Rickettsia
- Canine Ehrlichiosis, which can cause symptoms like nose bleeds, poor appetite, and fever
- Canine Babesiosis, which can cause jaundice, pale gums, lethargy, and dark colored urine
- Lyme disease, caused by regular Eastern Blacklegged ticks
Of course, dogs are also at risk of contracting Lyme disease, which is spread by the Eastern and Western blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks). If you are not sure what type of tick has bitten your dog, it is a good idea to look for signs of tick-borne diseases regardless.
Likewise, Iif you cannot correctly remove a tick from your dog yourself, take it to the vet for removal and testing.
Tick Bite Prevention and Protection
If you live in an area where ticks are common, you need to take active steps to protect yourself and your family from tick bites. That includes your pets.
These are some of the most important steps in preventing tick bites when in their habitat:
- Cover arms and legs and tuck pants into high socks
- Put long hair up, as ticks can hitch a ride on hair
- Use a bug spray that contains DEET or lemon-eucalyptus oil
- Thoroughly check yourself and your pets after spending time in nature
If you do happen to find a tick on yourself or your pet, it’s important to watch out for symptoms of tick bites, and test yourself and the tick for any possible bacteria or infection. Most tick-borne infections can be treated with antibiotics if caught early, which is why it’s crucial to act fast and seek testing through services like those offered at IGeneX.