Brown dog ticks are one of the most common ticks in the U.S. They are normally found indoors, or where dogs make their homes in kennels and dog runs. Their primary host is a dog, but they will attach to other mammals if dogs are scarce.
Brown dog ticks will rarely attack humans. However, they have been identified as a vector, or carrier, of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever begin with a rash within 2-5 days of being bitten. The rash appears on the wrists and ankles. This disease can be deadly. If a tick bites you, seek medical attention immediately.
Canine ehrlichiosis is the main disease that brown dog ticks carry that can affect your dog. Symptoms of this disease are sometimes vague, but an obvious sign is weight loss. Fever, runny nose, and loss of appetite can also occur. If left untreated, severe cases of canine ehrlichiosis can cause death.
Removing a tick can be done easily. Once you locate a tick on your pet, take a pair of small-tipped tweezers and hold the tick firmly. Pull the tick's body directly away from your pet's skin. Try to remove the complete tick. If the mouthparts do get left behind, however, the tick can no longer transmit disease. Clean the area with soap and water.
Don't light a match under a brown dog tick or suffocate it in petroleum jelly or nail polish remover. These methods may cause the tick to dig in deeper and could be harmful to your pet.
A brown dog tick bite can be debilitating for your pet and harmful to you as well. If bitten, remove the tick and preserve it to take to your doctor or your pet's veterinarian.