Is American Dog Tick Dangerous?

Introduction to the American Dog Tick

The American dog tick is arguably the most abundant tick species found all over the United States. Most of the time, in grassy fields, forest ends, and areas with little trees.. This tick is mainly active from early spring to early summer.

Adult ticks only prefer medium to large mammals for their food, and these are animals like dogs, raccoons, and humans. While the younger stages are still looking for smaller animals such as mice and chipmunks. It is extremely important to have full knowledge of the American dog ticks because they are very common and they come in contact with pets and people a lot.

List of 5 Diseases Caused by American Dog Tick

This tick are carrier of several highly contagious diseases that they can transmit to both people and animals.

The following are the most common diseases you get from the dog tick infestation:

1. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: This disease includes fever, headache, muscle ache, and a common rash. Without treatment, it may cause very severe conditions like organ failure and even death.
2. Tularemia: This bacterial infection may pass along symptoms to a person in the form of fever, swollen lymph glands, and ulcers on the skin at the point of the bite. Cases of severe illness may include pneumonia and other problems.
3. Tick Paralysis: Infinitely rare but very dangerous, tick paralysis happens as a result of a poison that comes from the tick’s saliva. It can cause the muscles to weaken so much that, in the worst scenarios, if no one understands in time, it can lead to breathing failure.
4. Canine Babesiosis: The disease that is generally related to dogs. In this disease, anemia, pale gums, weakness, and vomiting will be seen in the animal. The carrier is usually the american dog tick which if not treated can turn into a life-threatening condition.
5. Canine Ehrlichiosis: Although brown dog tick is the main carrier for this disease, the american dog tick can also be the transmitter of it.

Are American Dog Ticks Dangerous to Dogs?

Definitely, the American dog tick is a primary source of danger for dogs. These ticks along with blood, cause several harmful diseases, which are the main causes of blood disorders in pets.

Though it inherently spreads diseases, an American dog tick bite can also bring about a reaction in the body such as irritation, redness, and swelling.

Protect Your Dog from Tick Bites

These are a very safe and the most effective ways to keep your pets safe.

• Implement vet-approved tick prevention measures.
• Mow your lawn regularly and carefully keep a check.
• Avoid walking your dog in areas that are infested with ticks during months of high activity.
• Also, performing tick inspections and removing them immediately are the most important steps in protecting your dog from the American dog tick harm.

Conclusion

The American dog tick is the most widespread pest in the United States, which is a danger to one’s health not only for people, but also for pets. For the owners of dogs, the danger of these ticks is real since this can lead to very dangerous diseases and the dog’s suffering. Being alert, carrying out protection actions, and constantly checking ticks are the most efficient ways to protect yourself from the danger of these harmful ticks.