Brown Tick Treatment for Dogs

Ticks wait in grasses for a host to walk by.

Ticks are eight-legged parasites that are in the same family as spiders, scorpions and mites. Like mites, they are parasitic. They attach to a host and feed on the blood supply. Since they often go unnoticed on dogs until they are already engorged with blood, they are efficient carriers of disease. The brown tick, also known as the brown dog tick, is common throughout the United States.

Tick Detection

The first step in brown tick treatment for dogs is to prevent a tick from getting embedded in your dog's skin. After walking your dog in tall grass, check for ticks. Brushing the fur towards the dog's neck exposes the skin. The brown dog tick tends to prefer hiding in between the toes or by the ears.

Tick Removal

A tick that has not embedded yet can simply be removed and flushed. To positively determine the species of tick, the parasite can be placed into a small jar of alcohol and taken to an expert for identification. An embedded tick should be removed as soon as possible.

Treatment for Brown Ticks

A comprehensive plan is needed to treat brown ticks. A flea collar prevents some ticks from embedding, but for complete coverage there are the topical solutions like Frontline and Advantage. These solutions spread over the dog's body through the natural oils that are present, and kill brown ticks within 48 hours of exposure.

Complications of Brown Tick Treatment

Some dogs are sensitive to the chemicals used in the topical solutions. Redness and itching at the application site might be an indication of sensitivity. If the issue does not resolve in a few days, or it appears to worse, a vet should be consulted.

Diseases Brown Dog Ticks Carry

Since the brown tick prefers canine hosts, it rarely causes disease in humans. In dogs, however, they can spread canine ehrlichiosis and canine babesia. Ehrlichiosis symptoms include lameness and fever. Babesia symptoms include not eating, fever and pale gums. These diseases can be fatal if not treated properly.

References

• Illinois Department of Public Health Prevention and Control: Common Ticks:
• Frontline: FAQs
• University of Florida Food and Agricultural Studies: Brown Dog Tick