The Lone Star Tick

The lone star tick is an extremely aggressive insect that is generally found in the woods and grassy areas. Additionally, this tick is not only passively but actively looking for hosts, it makes no difference whether they are humans or pets and as such, it is going to be the most wanted.

The lone star tick can give you a few diseases that include-

1. Ehrliciosis
2. Tularemia
3. Heartland virus
4. STARI
5. Its bite is also mentioned to be one of the causes of alpha-gal syndrome, which is a kind of meat allergy that in some cases can lead to very severe symptoms.

What does a lone star tick look like

Female adult lone star ticks have one white or silvery spot in the center of their red-brown back. This “lone star” marking is the only one and thus definitely the main reason for the tick’s name.

Male adults, on the other hand, are missing the white central spot but have white streaks or spots on the outer parts of their bodies.

The number of the legs for both male and female is eight, and they have a flattened and oval body that becomes more rounded and gray after feeding.

The lone star tick passes through four developmental phases during its lifetime egg, larva, nymph, and adult.

Life Cycle

• The larvae, which are also called “seed ticks,” are very small. They have six legs, and they do not have a white spot.
• The nymphs are a little bigger, about the size of a poppy seed, and they have eight legs but no central dot. Adult females are the only ones who get the trademark white dot.
• Unfed adult females are about 1/6 to 1/4 inch, but after they have sucked, they can become 1/2 inch or more.
• Moreover, the lone star tick such as a shaded and woody environment is their favorite and they are most active from spring to the late summer when they are sitting on the grass or branches and waiting for a host to come by.

Lone star tick on dogs

The presence of a lone star tick on dog will definitely be a great concern for pet owners. No matter what, the tick will find a spot to attach itself to your dog. The most common areas are head, ears, neck, and sometimes, between the toes.

The lone star tick on dog causes diseases like ehrlichiosis and tularemia. The symptoms are-

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Joint pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Even neurological issues.

Some dogs may not show signs of illness, so it is best to see them closely over time. If you find a lone star tick on dog, do not hesitate:

• Take a pair of fine-point tweezers or any tick removal tool and grab the tick with pressure from your dog’s skin. Pull it straight out gently. Be careful along the process.
• Avoid home remedies like heat because it does not help to resolve the issue. After removing the tick, wash the bitten area properly.
• In case your veterinarian needs to determine the tick later, place it in a closed container or under rubbing alcohol. You should monitor your dog to see any signs of sickness. In case you notice any symptoms like fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, do not be wait to call your vet.
• Blood tests might be necessary to confirm diseases transmitted by ticks and in most cases, antibiotics like doxycycline are administered.

Preventive Measures

• Use the tick control products that are approved by the veterinarian and may be oral, topical, or a tick collar throughout the year.
• Once you are outdoors, make sure you check your dog thoroughly, particularly in the places where ticks tend to hide.
• Keep your yard trimmed and mowed, clear leaf litter and reduce the brush level. These measures not only minimize the chances of a lone star tick on dog but also ensure that your pet is healthy.

Conclusion

Lone Star Tick is an aggressive species of ticks. They are harmful to you and your pets. You have to take proper measures to protect your family’s health and your pets from the diseases and discomfort caused by the lone star tick.