Ticks are from the arachnid family (same as spiders, scorpions etc.) They have 4 pairs of legs & no antennae.  They live exclusively on on blood of animals for 3 of the 4 stages of their life cycle, and are able to sense heat and carbon dioxide with an organ to locate the presence of an animal food source.

How can my dog pick up ticks?

Ticks wait for host animals from the tip of grasses and shrubs; not commonly found in trees. When brushed by a moving animal or person, they quickly let go of the vegetation and climb onto the host. Ticks can only crawl; they cannot jump or fly.

What are the different types of ticks?

There are at least 15 different species of ticks in North America, only a few of these species are likely to be encountered. They include the:

American Dog Tick- Attacks a wide variety of hosts including humans and dogs but rarely infests homes. They are attracted by the scent of animals; humans most often encountered them near roads, paths, trails and recreational areas. Although present year round, the American dog ticks are usually more abundant in the spring.

Lone Star Tick- Also attacks a wide variety of hosts from birds and rodents to dogs, humans and cattle. These ticks live in wooded and brushy areas and are most numerous in underbrush along creeks and river bottoms and near animal resting places. They are present throughout the year, but adults are more numerous in March to May.

Deer or Blacklegged Tick- All three active stages will feed on a variety of hosts including dogs and people.  These ticks are usually found in wooded areas along trails. Adults are usually seen in spring and fall seasons. The deer or blacklegged tick can transmit Lyme disease and possibly erlichiosis to dogs and humans.

Brown Dog Tick- also known as the kennel tick is found throughout most of the United States. This tick feeds on dogs, but rarely bites people. Unlike other species, the brown dog tick can survive and develop indoors. It is found primarily in kennels or homes with dogs where it may be found hiding in cracks, behind radiators, under rugs and furniture, and on draperies and walls. It usually attaches itself around the ears or between the toes to feed.

Can my dog develop diseases from ticks?

Yes, there are three different types of diseases that can affect your dog if bitten by a tick. The diseases can be detected by a simple blood test looking for antibodies of the bacteria, and dogs can also have more than one of those diseases at a time.  They are:

Lyme Disease-The Deer tick is the most common type of tick to carry this disease. It is caused by a bacterium transmitted to dogs through the bite of a tick. Signs of infection include: Lameness, fever, swollen joints, kidney failure, “not him/herself” and anorexia. If not treated right away it can cause damaged joints and fatal kidney disease. It is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test looking for the antibodies to the Lyme bacteria. The disease can be treated with antibiotics, however, a lengthy course of treatment is necessary to completely eradicate the organism.

Anaplasmosis- Similar to Lyme disease, it is a bacterium that is spread from the bit of the tick. Symptoms of the infection are: lack of energy, high fever, swollen, very painful joints, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. If not treated, anaplasmosis can cause very low numbers of platelets and white blood cells, as well as chronic joint pain and very rare neurological signs. Treatment with a lengthy course of antibiotics is again necessary.

Erlichiosis- Transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, it is a bacterial organism. Brown dog ticks are known carriers of this bacterium. Symptoms can include: loss of appetite, depression, fever, painful joints, bloody nose, and pale gums. If left untreated, this disease can result in permanent blindness, autoimmune diseases, bleeding complications and death. Lengthy treatment with antibiotics is necessary to ensure the organism is removed.

How can I prevent these diseases?

Prevention in the form of a topical medication can be applied to your dogs to kill any ticks that may land on your dog. A vaccine is now available for protecting dogs against Lyme disease. This vaccine is initially given twice, at a two- to three-week interval. Annual revaccination is also necessary to maintain immunity.

What should I do if I find a tick on me or my dog?

Use blunt tweezers or disposable gloves to handle the tick (infectious agents can be transmitted through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin). The diseases that infect dogs can also infect humans as well.

1. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible. This reduces the possibility of the head detaching from the body upon removal.

2. Pull the tick out straight out with a steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick as this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin, increasing the chances of infection. Continue to apply steady pressure even if the tick does not release immediately. It may take a minute or two of constant, slow pulling to cause the tick to release.

3. After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite area and wash your hands with soap and water. Ideally after removing it, preserving it in rubbing alcohol and bring it to your veterinarian team as this information is important for testing.  Always consult your veterinarian team to help you find the best prevention and treatment for these pesky critters. Prevention is always the best medicine. Lexy