Dog Tick

Characteristics

• Most commonly found on dogs but will attach to any large mammal
• Common vector of the Rocky Mountain spotted fever and canine tick paralysis
• A tick that has been feeding will look drastically different from an unfed tick

The dog tick is a common parasite found in Alabama. These ticks wait for a host to latch onto and will feed on its blood until it becomes engorged. The picture above is of an dog tick before it has fed. The tick appears drastically different when engorged, with a much larger abdomen that is a bluish grey. Dog ticks are a known carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and can cause canine tick paralysis. Ticks do not normally enter into homes, but are commonly found in yards and bushes around the home. Our mosquito and tick spray is very effective at protecting your yard from these disease spreading pests.