The warmer months of summer mean not only preventing heat stroke in pets but also keeping them protected from pesky ticks. While spring and fall are the most prevalent tick seasons across the country, ticks can be present year-round so it’s crucial to begin preparing your pets now before it’s too late.
This is Part 1 of a four part series on ticks that will cover everything from identifying ticks to preventing them from transmitting diseases to your pets. We’ll begin by taking a closer look at the ticks themselves.
Types of Ticks
Your canine companion can be the recipient of potentially dangerous bites from several different types of ticks. Here are the most common ticks to look out for:
American Dog Tick
Identifying features:
Chestnut brown
White spots or streaks down back
Engorged females become slate gray and become up to 1/2" long
Feed:
Larvae and nymphs: mostly small rodents
Adults: dogs, cattle, other animals, humans
Lifespan: up to two years without food
Region: Midwest, the Pacific Northwest, and the eastern United States, as well as east of Saskatchewan in Canada
Where to find them:
Grassy areas
Low vegetation near roads, paths, trails, and recreational areas
When to find them:
Present all year round
Most prevalent in the spring
Black-Legged Tick (Deer Tick)
Identifying features:
Flat
Orangish-brown body
It becomes darker when feeding
Engorged females become up to 1/2" long
Feed:
Dogs
Humans
Lifespan: up to three years without food
Region: Throughout the Midwest and eastern US and Canada
Where to find them:
Wooded areas along trails
When to find them:
Larvae and nymphs: Spring and early summer
Adults: Spring and fall
Brown Dog Tick (Kennel Tick)
Identifying features:
Reddish-brown
Engorged females become up to 1/2" long
Feed:
Dogs
Rarely humans
Lifespan: up to 18 months without food
Region: Throughout US and Canada
Where to find them:
Natural habitat: kennels, homes with dogs, cracks, behind radiators, under rugs and furniture, on draperies and walls
Feeding: Around the ears or between the toes of dogs
When to find them:
Present all year round
Most prevalent in the spring
Lone Star Tick
Identifying features:
Various shades of brown or tan
Female has a single silvery-white spot on the back
Males have scattered white spots
Engorged females become up to 1/2" long
Feed:
Larvae and nymphs: small wild animals, birds, and rodents
Adults: larger animals (dogs and cattle), humans
Lifespan: up to two years without food
Region: Midwest, eastern, and southeastern US
Where to find them:
Wooded and brushy areas
Underbrush along creeks and river bottoms
Near animal resting places
When to find them:
Present all year round
Most prevalent from March to July
In Part 2, we will discuss some of the diseases ticks can carry that can affect your pet. Stay tuned for more!
Learn More About Pet Safety with Aloha Veterinary Acupuncture
While here at Aloha Veterinary Acupuncture, we specialize in acupuncture, our main priority is treating your pets with the aloha they deserve. That’s why we’re committed to helping you keep your pets safe through any means possible.
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