Type of Tick Species and Diseases They Carry

Ticks may be small, but the impact these blood-sucking parasites leave on pets and humans can be monumental. Across the United States, there are various tick species that are notorious. Not only for their bites but also for the diseases they carry. What’s alarming is that the distribution of ticks, including new tick species, is on a constant upsurge and has multiplied over the last few years. With more than 500,000 new cases of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases contracted each year, it’s a growing concern.

As a pet parent, it’s imperative that you are aware of the tick species in your region and what you can do about them. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the popular tick species in the US. You’ll learn how to identify them, where they thrive, and most importantly, what diseases they carry. We’ll also guide you through effective treatments and prevention strategies to help keep your pets safe, healthy, and tick-free.

Let’s start!

Popular Tick Species in the US:-

In this segment, we’ll explore the fundamentals of the popular tick species you and your pet can encounter in the US.

1. Black-legged Ticks:

Black-legged ticks, or Deer ticks, scientifically called Ixodes Scapularis. They are hard-bodied, reddish-brown ticks with a black shield and dark black legs. They are found throughout the eastern U.S., including the Midwest and Southeast regions of the U.S.

If not treated timely, deer ticks are known for transmitting various diseases, including Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, etc.

2. American Dog Ticks:

American dog ticks (Dermacentor Variabilis) or Wood ticks are prevalent across the eastern half of the US Rocky Mountains, extending to the East and Gulf Coasts. These brown to reddish-brown hard ticks are typically 5 mm in length. While fully fed females can grow up to 15 mm.

American dog ticks are one of the causes of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia. Plus, they are found in areas with little or no tree cover, such as tall grassy fields or low-lying bush.

3. Brown Dog Ticks:

Brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) are categorized by their reddish-brown color and elongated, narrow shape and are 2.28 to 3.18 mm in length. They are found throughout the U.S. but are more commonly found in warmer areas. With dogs as their primary host, these ticks are responsible for causing Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Hepatozoonosis.

4. Lone Star Ticks:

Lone Star ticks, scientifically known as Amblyomma americanum, are hard, reddish-brown ticks. The adult females feature a single white dot on their backs, while adult males have varied spots or streaks on their bodies.
Lone star ticks are widely distributed across the Eastern, Southeastern, and Midwestern U.S. They are aggressive biters and are known for causing Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, Heartland virus, and Bourbon virus.

5. Gulf Coast Ticks:

Gulf Coast ticks, as the name suggests, are found in the Southeastern US, particularly along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Scientifically known as Amblyomma maculatum. These ticks are known for having various hosts and causing American canine hepatozoonosis, a parasitic infection in dogs.

6. Asian Long-horned Ticks:

First discovered in 2017, Asian long-horned ticks have rapidly spread across the US. Covering the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and parts of the Midwest. These ticks are relatively large, about 20 to 35 mm in length, and are categorized by their shiny black body, irregular white spots, and antennae nearly twice as large as their body.

7. Groundhog Tick:

The Groundhog ticks, scientifically known as Ixodes cookie, are about the size of a sesame seed and are prevalent in the eastern half of the US. Also known as woodchuck ticks, they feed on a variety of warm-blooded animals and are a primary carrier of Powassan virus disease.

Tick-borne Diseases in Dogs

The following chart will help you understand the various tick-borne diseases and their causes.

Popular Treatments

Now that you know about the common species of ticks in the US and the various diseases they can transmit, let’s explore some popular treatments to ensure your pet’s protection.

Frontline Plus for Dogs:

Frontline Plus is a topical treatment formulated to protect dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 5 lbs, against a range of parasites. With Fipronil and (S)-methoprene as the active ingredients, it kills fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae.

This monthly treatment kills all life stages of brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and deer ticks. Suitable for breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs, it also helps eliminate chewing lice infestations and aids in the control of sarcoptic mange infestations.

Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs:

Seresto Collar offers long-term protection for up to 8 months against fleas and ticks in dogs and puppies from 7 weeks of age. This non-greasy and odorless collar repels and kills adult fleas before they lay eggs.

Additionally, the continuous flow of active ingredients repels and kills ticks, including deer ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks. It also kills chewing lice.

Simparica Chewables for Dogs:

Simparica Chewables is an oral treatment for flea and tick protection in dogs from 6 months of age. These flavored chews contain Sarolaner as the active ingredient, which eliminates adult fleas and prevents flea infestations.

Simparica chews treat and control infestations caused by Lone Star ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, and Asian long-horned ticks. Additionally, it helps prevent Lyme disease.

Measures to Prevent Tick Infestations

Follow these measures to keep your pet safe from the dread of tick infestations.

• Be aware of the tick species prevalent in your area.
• When going out for walks, avoid heavily wooded areas.
• Thoroughly check your pet for ticks, especially after walks.
• If you find ticks on your pet, use tweezers to carefully remove them.
• Grab the tick as close as possible to their mouth, grip firmly, and pull them without crushing or rotating.
• Establish a comprehensive grooming routine and follow it regularly.
• Maintain regular vet visits and take follow-ups.
• Administer vet-recommended tick prevention treatments.
• If there are multiple pets in the house, treat them all.
• Keep your pet’s environment clean.
• Regularly mow your lawn and maintain the length of the grass.
• Make sure to pick up feces as soon as possible.
• Wash your pet’s bedding and toys at least once a week with warm water.

Parting Words

Ticks are like tiny terrors with big consequences. Understanding which kind of ticks are lurking in your region is the first step toward protecting your furry companions. Well, we have covered everything you need to know, including the types of ticks, preventive treatments, and measures. If you have any doubts, it’s best to consult your vet. They will provide you with professional advice based on the condition and medical history of your pet.