ABSTRACT
Brown dog tick. Attach to skin from brush or scrub. Dx: Usually find adults, 3 to 7 mm, flat to bean shaped when engorged. Shades of brown. Have eyes on edges of scutum. No preanal groove. Nymphs look like small females. Habitat: Skin. Similar Species: Dermacentor variabilis. Ixodes scapularis. Range: Southern US; cannot stand freezing temperatures but do well inside. Clinical Signs: Usually none; many can cause anemia. All stages (larva, nymph, and adult) feed on the dog. Can infest kennels and households. Probably want to consider protection of cats if area infested. Potential Zoonosis: No direct transfer of pathogens without attachment. Tx: Removal – wash wound with alcohol.
