Deer ticks were discovered as a species of tick in the 1920's. They were located on livestock in Massachusetts. Deer ticks are mainly found on white-tailed deer, but they will seek out large domestic animals as hosts, too. Some of these animals include livestock, such as cattle or horses. Dogs can be hosts as well, as can humans.
Deer ticks can be very difficult, if not impossible, to locate on your pets. They are very tiny, much smaller than most ticks you may be familiar with. Species of dog ticks and soft ticks are many times larger than fully grown adult deer ticks. In their nymph stage, they are the most likely to become carriers of Lyme disease. At this point in their development, they are no bigger than the head of a pin.
Prevention is one of the best ways to be sure your pets don't come in contact with deer ticks. When exercising your dog, be sure to avoid areas where the woods become meadows. These transition areas are where most deer ticks can be found. After an outdoor adventure, comb your pet with a fine-tooth comb to locate as many ticks as you can. Remove any ticks you find immediately.
Consult your veterinarian if your pet exhibits any symptoms of Lyme disease. The symptoms are similar to those in humans, such as lethargy, fever and fatigue. Some pets will exhibit no symptoms, so it can be difficult to diagnose. Livestock will display the same symptoms. Usually horses, cattle and sheep are susceptible to the disease.
If you take your pet outdoors frequently, or live in a wooded area, you may consider a treatment program for your pets to prevent tick bites. Talk to your veterinarian about what might be the best protection.