05/30/2025
Let’s talk about the American Dog Tick! 🦠
👀 Spotted in Belleville, ON this week on a client’s dog out for a walk.
❓Did you know that this tick species can carry Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever)
Rocky Mountain Spotten Fever (RMSF)
Although considered relatively rare in terms of infection rates; climate, land use changes has increased to potential risk to humans and animals alike
RMSF causes the following: 🤒 symptoms typically begin 2-14 days after the bite and can include a sudden onset of fever, headache, and a characteristic rash. Other common symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
The American Dog Tick originates from the USA, but there has been a steady increase in the population since the 1970’s in southern parts of Ontario.
How can you protect yourself and your dogs?
- Wear protective clothing
- Avoid trails with long grass, or wear protective clothing (tucking in your socks, lint rolling you and your dog(s) after a walk)
- Ensure your dog is on monthly flea and tick prevention such as Credelio, Bravecto, Nexguard Spectra, etc.
