American Dog Tick Prevention

The bite of the American dog tick is known to be the transmitter of disease because of the bacteria this tick carries. American dog tick bites can cause itching, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, and, in some cases, tick paralysis. Although these ticks are normally found on dogs, they will attack larger animals, for example, horses, cattle, and even humans. The American dog tick can be found mostly over North America, for the most part in areas with little or no tree cover such as scrubland, trails, dog parks, walkways, grassy fields with low vegetation, sidewalks, weeds, leaf litter, wooded areas, shrubs, pens, and areas near home building.

American Dog Tick Identification

The Adult American dog tick is oval and flat in shape, has 8 legs, the males are about 3.6 mm long, while the females are typically 5 mm long and are slightly larger. They are typically brown to reddish-brown, with gray/silver markings on their scutum.

American Dog Tick Lifecycle

The female American tick will drop from the host (animal) and look for a suitable place to lay her eggs, such as leaf litter. Over the next 14-32 days, she will lay as many as 6,500 eggs and then die. The eggs typically hatch in about 36-57 days, during which time the larvae emerge and seek out small hosts, such as mice. Although Engorgement often requires 6 days, the larvae can survive up to 584 days unfed. After the larvae are fed sufficiently, they will drop off of the host and look for a place to molt into nymphs. This process will take about 24 days. Depending on the climate, the lifecycle of the American dog tick can take anywhere from 3 months to more than 1 year. In the northern United States, the American dog tick lifecycle can last for about two years.

How to Scout for American Dog Tick

Use a white T-shirt, tie a string around one end of the T-shirt and drag it through the grass and weeds. This movement will get the attention of the ticks causing them to become excited. This excitement will cause the ticks to cling to the T-shirt.

Examine the number of ticks that are attached to your T-shirt by counting. Ticks will also seek to attach to you, therefore, when performing this test, wear a pair of long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, use an insect repellent, and also tuck your pants into your socks.

How to Control American Dog Tick Naturally

Because American dog ticks are most active from April to early August, it’s best to take preventive measures to keep them at bay.

• During tick season, overgrown grass should be kept cut at the proper mowing height, or a bit shorter, this effort will help to discourage the American dog tick by eliminating places to hide.
• Keeping your yard weed-free as much as possible will reduce hiding places for ticks, along with other yard pests and rodents.
• Shrubs should be cut back.
• Don’t allow domestic pets to roam into wooded areas.
• Ground cover should be kept thin.
• Low-lying ornamental plants should be cut back as well.
• Don’t allow leaf litter to remain on the ground, remove leaf litter and place it in your compost bin or properly dispose of.
• As best as you can, discourage wildlife from entering your property.

Controlling American Dog Tick with Insecticides

Outdoor treatments involve directing granule and liquid products for American dog tick control in areas where tall grassy, weedy, and wooded areas meet manicured lawns. Liquid treatments should be allowed to soak into mulched areas, leaf litter, and grass thatch.

Take Care of Your Dog

• Inspect your dog each night to ensure there are no ticks that are present.
• Make sure that your dog is treated with products that are labeled for tick control.
• If after the application of tick treatments, the problem persists, contact your veterinarian.

Additional information

• It is not necessary to treat indoors for these pests.
• It is best to deal with ticks during early spring to control and reduce their population.

1. What is an American dog tick, and how can I tell if my pet has them?

The American dog tick is a brownish, oval-shaped parasite about the size of an apple seed. You’ll often find them on dogs’ ears, necks, and in warm areas like under their legs. If your pup is scratching more than usual or you spot a small, bloated bug on their skin, it might be a tick. Always double-check with gloves or tweezers!

2. Are American dog ticks dangerous to humans or just pets?

Unfortunately, both! American dog ticks can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia to humans, and they can also transmit diseases like canine ehrlichiosis to pets. That’s why tick prevention is a must—not just for your pet’s safety, but for your entire household.

3. When are American dog ticks most active?

These ticks are most active during the spring and summer months, especially April through August. They love warm, humid environments and tend to hang out in grassy or wooded areas. After outdoor adventures, always do a tick check on both pets and people.

4. What’s the best way to remove an American dog tick from my dog?

Grab a clean pair of fine-tipped tweezers, get as close to the skin as possible, and pull the tick straight out—slow and steady. Don’t twist or crush it, and never try to burn it off. After removal, disinfect the bite area and wash your hands. Save the tick in a plastic bag in case symptoms appear later.

5. How can I prevent American dog ticks from getting on my pet in the first place?

Regular use of vet-recommended flea and tick preventatives (like collars, chewables, or spot-ons) is the most effective method. Also, try to avoid tall grasses and brush during walks, and give your dog a thorough tick check after every outing.

6. Do American dog ticks live inside homes?

Good news—they don’t usually infest homes like fleas or bed bugs. American dog ticks prefer the outdoors, but they can hitch a ride indoors on pets or clothing. If one finds its way inside, it usually won’t live long without a host. Still, quick removal and a vacuuming session can help eliminate any stragglers.

7. What natural remedies work against American dog ticks?

Some pet owners find success using essential oil sprays (like cedarwood, peppermint, or eucalyptus), but these should always be used with caution and never directly on your pet without vet approval. Keeping your yard tidy, using diatomaceous earth, and applying tick-repelling plants can also reduce outdoor tick populations naturally.

8. Can I use tick control products meant for cats on my dog?

Nope—always use products labeled specifically for dogs. Some tick medications for cats contain different ingredients that can be harmful or ineffective for dogs. When in doubt, check with your veterinarian for the safest and most effective options.

9. How often should I treat my yard for American dog ticks?

During peak tick season, it’s a good idea to treat your yard every 4–6 weeks with a pet-safe insecticide or natural tick spray. Focus on borders, tall grasses, leaf piles, and shaded areas where ticks love to hide. Keeping your lawn trimmed also helps reduce tick hangouts.

10. Should I see a vet if my dog was bitten by an American dog tick?

If you removed the tick quickly and your dog seems fine, a vet visit might not be urgent. But if you notice fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, or swelling around the bite area in the following days, it’s best to call your vet. Tick-borne illnesses can sometimes take time to show up, and early treatment is key.

Conclusion

The American dog tick can and will present health issues, therefore, we must do all that we can to keep our animals, homes, and yards free of these pests. Following this guide by taking these preventive measures will reduce the risk of their presence and growing into a population that can become a healthy risk.