Do Dog Ticks Carry Lyme Disease? How Lyme Disease Spreads?

Lyme disease is dangerous for dogs

Lyme disease is particularly complicated because it doesn’t always show symptoms. This means that unless you’ve spotted a tick on your pet, then unfortunately, you might not have any suspicion that there could be a problem.

The good news is that most dogs develop what veterinarians call a ‘subclinical’ infection’ (source). This means that although your dog is infected, the infection does not cause clear clinical symptoms. 

If a dog does appear to have some symptoms, then usually, following diagnosis, Lyme disease is treatable (we’ll talk more about this later).

In rare cases, a dog can develop what’s known as ‘chronic’ Lyme disease. In this case, serious problems with the joints and kidneys can occur. 

The more common manifestation of Lyme disease if not subclinical, can cause symptoms such as:

• Increased temperature.
• Decreased energy.
• Increased size of lymph nodes.
• Lack of appetite.
• Swelling of the joints.

You can read more about this topic in our article ‘Lyme disease life expectancy in dogs.’

The types of ticks that spread Lyme disease

Tick species are commonly found in areas with vegetation, such as woods. The black-legged tick, otherwise known as a deer tick Ixodes scapularis, is the common species that transmit Lyme disease in north-central, northeast America. In the western states, Ixodes pacificus spreads Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Ticks become infected with the bacteria when feeding on infected animals. Then, when they take their next blood meal, they pass the bacteria on to their new host. 

It’s good to know that, generally, a tick needs to be attached for a minimum amount of time to enable it to pass on the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. According to the CDC, this time is between 36 to 48 hours, which is good news for pet parents.

This means that if you remove ticks as soon as you find them on yourself or your dog, you can drastically decrease the risk of Lyme disease. It’s important to check your pet carefully and thoroughly, as the nymph ticks are very small and can be hard to spot. The larger adult females can be easier to find and are the only other tick age category capable of spreading the disease.

Dog Ticks Identification: A Crucial Step in Understanding Potential Disease Risks

As an entomologist, identifying various tick species is essential for understanding the potential disease risks associated with these tiny creatures. Dog ticks, in particular, can pose a significant threat to canine health, and being able to identify them is crucial for pet owners and veterinarians alike. In this article, we will explore the different types of dog ticks, their characteristics, and how to identify them.

Types of Dog Ticks

There are several species of dog ticks, each with its unique characteristics and disease risks. Some of the most common species include:

• American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis): This tick is found throughout the United States and is known for transmitting diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
• Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma maculatum): This tick is found in the southern and eastern United States and is known for transmitting diseases such as ehrlichiosis and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI).
• Western Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes pacificus): This tick is found in the western United States and is known for transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
• Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis): This tick is found in the eastern United States and is known for transmitting diseases such as theileria and babesiosis.
• Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni): This tick is found in the western United States and is known for transmitting diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.

Characteristics of Dog Ticks

Dog ticks can be divided into two main categories: hard ticks and soft ticks. Hard ticks have a hard outer shell and are typically found on dogs, while soft ticks have a soft, leathery outer shell and are typically found on small mammals and birds.

Hard Ticks

Hard ticks are the most common type of dog tick and are characterized by their hard outer shell. They have a distinctive shape, with a rounded body and a long, pointed snout. Hard ticks go through three stages of development: larval, nymphal, and adult. Nymphal ticks are the most common stage found on dogs and are typically smaller than adult ticks.

Soft Ticks

Soft ticks are less common than hard ticks and are characterized by their soft, leathery outer shell. They are typically found on small mammals and birds and are known for transmitting diseases such as relapsing fever.

Identifying Dog Ticks

Identifying dog ticks requires a combination of knowledge and observation. Here are some tips for identifying dog ticks:

• Observe the tick’s shape and size: Hard ticks have a distinctive shape, with a rounded body and a long, pointed snout. Soft ticks have a soft, leathery outer shell and are typically smaller than hard ticks.
• Look for distinctive markings: Some dog ticks have distinctive markings, such as the white spot on the back of the Lone Star tick.
• Check the tick’s habitat: Different tick species are found in different habitats, such as forests, grasslands, or urban areas.
• Consult with an entomologist or veterinarian: If you are unsure about the identity of a tick, consult with an entomologist or veterinarian who can provide expert advice.

Tick Populations

Tick populations can vary depending on the region, climate, and time of year. In general, tick populations tend to peak in the spring and summer months, when temperatures are warm and humidity is high. Understanding tick populations is essential for developing effective tick control strategies and reducing the risk of tick-borne diseases.

In conclusion, identifying dog ticks is crucial for understanding potential disease risks and developing effective tick control strategies. By knowing the different types of dog ticks, their characteristics, and how to identify them, pet owners and veterinarians can take steps to protect dogs from the risks associated with these tiny creatures.

Where can a dog catch an infected tick?

Dogs are exposed to ticks in the environment, particularly longer vegetation and bushes, where they wait until humans or animals walk past and then crawl onto them.

When it comes to Lyme disease, the time of year is also important to consider. Since it’s spread by affected ticks, according to Hopkins Medicine, April to October is the time when Lyme disease is most common.

You can use this map from the CDC to see Lyme disease cases over time by state.

Can humans get ticks from dogs?

Yes, ticks can crawl from dogs onto humans. Veterinarians recommend the following things to reduce this and help keep both you and your pet free from tick bites:

• Put a tick-repellent collar on your dog, and or give the medication to repel ticks and other ectoparasites.
• Check your dog thoroughly for ticks after walking in areas where they live. It’s especially important to check areas such as their armpits, belly, head, and ears.
• Safely and appropriately remove ticks from your dog if you find them. You can read more about this in our article Tick Talk – Strategies for Preventing and Removing Ticks.

It’s also a good idea to protect your pet from other ectoparasites, such as fleas. You can read more about this in our article Flea and Tick Prevention Tips – Recommendations for Dog Owners.

What to do after removing a tick from a dog?

Most likely, the tick will still be alive after you’ve removed it from your dog. To kill it, you can put it in alcohol or a disinfectant or simply squash it.

Will a dog be OK after a tick bite, and do they need antibiotics?

In most cases, after removing the tick, your dog will be just fine. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior or health, then it’s important to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

If your veterinarian has a suspicion that your dog has Lyme disease, then they may write you a prescription for antibiotics to start right away. It’s important to follow all the advice from your vet.

How can you tell if a tick has Lyme disease

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to tell if a tick has Lyme disease by looking at them. It’s best to always thoroughly check your pet and remove ticks as soon as you find them.

Prevention of Tick Bites

• Understand the risks: Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, and Bartonellosis, can be transmitted to dogs through tick bites. These diseases can have severe health consequences, making prevention and early detection crucial.

• Conduct daily checks: Regularly inspect your dog for ticks, especially after spending time outdoors, to reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases. Focus on areas where ticks tend to attach, such as the ears, neck, and paws.

• Use preventatives: Various products, including tick collars, drops, and tablets, can help deter ticks from biting your dog. Oral preventatives like Bravecto or NexGard can provide protection against ticks and fleas for up to three months.

• Create a tick-free environment: Keep your property clean and unattractive to ticks by removing items that attract rodents, such as spilled birdseed, and hiding places like old wood piles. Insecticides labeled for tick control can be applied to small areas of high weeds that cannot be mowed.

• Remove ticks safely: If you find a tick on your dog, grasp it firmly with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and gently pull it straight out. Avoid using bare hands, as tick secretions may carry disease. Dispose of the tick by placing it in a container of soapy water or alcohol.

• Monitor for symptoms: Watch your dog closely for signs of tick-borne disease, which may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms.

• Consider vaccinations: Vaccines are available to protect dogs against certain tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best prevention and treatment plan for your dog.

• Be aware of tick habitats: Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grass, and weeds. Take precautions when walking your dog in these areas, and consider using tick preventatives or repellents.

• Keep your home tick-free: Regularly vacuum and seal any cracks or crevices around your home to prevent ticks from entering. Remove any ticks found indoors by vacuuming and disposing of them properly.

Conclusion

We hope that after reading this article, you have information about Lyme disease in pets, how it’s transmitted, and how to help prevent it. Checking your pet regularly and treating them for ectoparasites can greatly reduce the chances of your pet catching Lyme and other parasite-associated diseases and help keep them happy and healthy.

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