Types of Dog Ticks

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 22 January 2021
Update Date: 6 November 2024
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How to Identify Ticks - Tick Identification
Video: How to Identify Ticks - Tick Identification

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Along with fleas, ticks are the most common external parasites on dogs and can transmit various diseases, in addition to causing intense itching, irritation, skin inflammation and other symptoms of canine dermatitis. Therefore, one of the fundamental cares for puppies is to carry out the antiparasitic treatments periodically and maintain good hygiene in your home to prevent these parasites from reproducing and affecting your health or that of your best friend.

But did you know that not all tick species are found in companion animals? So that you can easily recognize and identify these potentially dangerous species, in this Animal Expert article, we'll show you what the types of dog ticks with pictures. Check out!


Tick ​​Types: What Are They and How Many Are There?

Although they can be mistaken for insects, ticks are little arachnids that belong to the subclass acarina, which also includes mites (although they belong to different orders). Currently, it is estimated that there are more than 800 types of tick, which are divided into three families: nuttalliellidae, ixodidae and argasidae.

The first family (nuttalliellidae) it is quite peculiar and comprises only one non-extinct species, the southern African tick. We will not go into more details about this species, as it is not possible to find this type of tick in dogs. However, in the other two families, they are the most dangerous species of ticks for furry ones.

ixodidae is the most abundant family and encompasses at least 600 species of the so-called “hard ticks”, that is, those that have a rigid outer shell (exoskeleton). Within this family, there are six genera of ticks that very often affect dogs, Themblyomma, dermacentor, haemaphysalis, hyalomma, ixodes and rhipicehpahlus. Generally, these types of dog ticks settle on the body, mainly on the back, trying to “hide” among the dog's fur.


already the family argasidae comprises approximately 200 types of “soft ticks”, which lack a rigid exoskeleton. The most common species in dogs is called otobius megniniandit lodges mainly in the ears or between the toes of the dogs' paws. Next, we'll explain a little more about the 2 types of most common dog ticks, of which you should pay more attention to preserve your pet's health.

Types of Dog Ticks: Most Dangerous Species

Now, let's talk a little more about the 2 species of ticks that are most common to find in dogs that live in urban centers. both belong to the family ixodidae and are the main transmitters of diseases caused by ticks. Are they:

  • star tick (amblyomma sculptum/amblyomma cajennense);
  • red dog tick (rhipicephalus sanguineus).

star tick

The star tick, also called horse tick, is one of the most dangerous types of tick on dogs. In addition to being able to transmit various diseases to furry animals, it is also the species that most commonly parasitizes humans and is the main vector of tick fever (or Rocky Mountain spotted fever), a tick disease in humans that is uncommon and whose most characteristic symptom is the appearance of red spots all over the body (petechial rash).


It is generally quite easy to recognize the adult individuals of this species, as they are large (may be larger than a bean grain), have a brown or brown coloration, with a characteristic design on their exoskeleton that resembles the shape of a star (hence originates its most popular name).

This is a versatile and very resistant type of tick, which can adapt well to the interior of the house, but which also reproduce with great intensity in the environment, especially in regions with abundant vegetation. The larvae, known as micuim, live mainly in grass or pastures and are especially numerous during the autumn (May to June or July).

red dog tick

This is the most common of all types of ticks on a dog, as managed to adapt very well to urban centers. Today, this species is able to develop and reproduce more easily in closed and protected spaces (such as houses) than in nature itself. Females usually lay eggs in cracks in doors and windows, cracks in walls, baseboards and dark corners, as well as in the host's own body.

For this reason, most tick infestations in dogs and in homes are caused by red ticks. And generally, the dog does not acquire these parasites by brushing with plants or lying on the grass (which is common with other types of dog ticks), but rather by coming into contact with another infested animal or by staying indoors where these ticks are present.

As the name indicates, the most striking feature of this species is the reddish or slightly brown color that predominates in the body of the red tick, in addition to being much smaller than the star tick. In the images below, it is a female of this kind of tick full of blood and also an infestation of red ticks on an adult dog.

Image: Reproduction/Wikipedia - Red Dog Tick.

Dog tick: diseases

Tick ​​bites can be the gateway to the organism of dogs with various affections. In addition to causing itchiness and negatively impacting furry behavior, these external parasites can cause the following diseases in dogs:

  • Lyme disease (better known as dog tick disease);
  • Anaplasmosis in dogs;
  • Canine Babesiosis;
  • Canine ehrlichiosis;
  • Tularemia;
  • Anemia;
  • Paralysis.

To read more about these pathologies, we recommend that you read our article on the diseases that ticks can transmit. In the image below, you can see an advanced infestation of red ticks in the ear of an adult dog, which can be the gateway to several of the aforementioned diseases.

How to eliminate dog ticks?

Now that you know what the types of ticks that exist, it is important to know how to eliminate dog ticks. Given the great resistance and incredible speed of reproduction of these parasites, the prevention is the key to keeping your house and your best friend free from ticks. In addition to maintaining excellent hygiene in your home, it is essential to ensure that your home has good lighting and is ventilated daily, as dark and humid environments (especially in corners) tend to favor the proliferation of various microorganisms, in addition to being able to be used by female ticks to lay eggs.

But, definitely your dog's preventive medicine is a crucial aspect to prevent the appearance of these parasites. Therefore, remember to carry out the antiparasitic treatments at the correct frequency, always choosing quality products that are suitable for the weight, size and state of health of your furry. Here at Animal Expert, you will also find several tips for natural remedies to eliminate your dog's ticks and also the recipe for the homemade frontline.

Another good practice is to regularly check your dog's entire body to identify the presence or traces of external parasites such as fleas, ticks or mites. If you find that your dog really has ticks, it is essential to start an appropriate treatment as soon as possible to eliminate the parasites, both from the house and from the puppy's body. The ideal is get help from a veterinarian to choose the most appropriate products and application form according to the type of tick and the complexity of the infestation.

If you want to read more articles similar to Types of Dog Ticks, we recommend that you enter our Basic Care section.