Lone Star Tick Pose Four Potential Risks for Canine Companions

Lone Star Ticks Pose Health Threat to Dogs

Dog owners should be aware of the potential health risks presented by the lone star tick, an aggressive species that can transmit a variety of diseases to canines. Despite being limited to certain regions in the past, the range of the lone star tick is expanding, making it a growing concern for pet owners nationwide.

The lone star tick, or Amblyomma americanum, is known for its distinctive feature: a white dot, or "lone star," on its back. The tick can grow up to 16 millimeters in diameter after feeding on a host. While the presence of any tick is worrisome, the lone star tick poses an increased risk due to its tendency to actively search for hosts rather than passively waiting for them to brush against it.

Research scientist Andrea Egizi of the Tick-Borne Disease Laboratory at the Monmouth County Division of Mosquito Control in New Jersey explains that lone star ticks are more aggressive in their quest for hosts, crawling toward a host if they detect carbon dioxide in the air. This behavior sets them apart from other tick species, which are more passive.

One of the main concerns with lone star ticks is the range of diseases they can transmit to dogs. These include:

Ehrlichiosis: Bacteria transmitted by lone star ticks can cause ehrlichiosis, affecting a dog's blood cells. Symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, weight loss, and bleeding problems can develop within one to three weeks of the tick bite. A positive blood test indicates the presence of ehrlichiosis antibodies, which are treated with a 28-day course of antibiotics.
Cytauxzoonosis: Lone star ticks are the only species known to transmit this serious and often deadly disease. Symptoms, which include lethargy, loss of appetite, high fever, and breathing difficulty, develop rapidly.
Tularemia: This disease, also known as rabbit fever, can lead to fever, stiffness, abscesses, and swollen lymph nodes. Most cases of tularemia in dogs are mild and respond to antibiotics.
Anaplasmosis: Although primarily associated with black-legged ticks, lone star ticks can also transmit anaplasmosis, leading to symptoms such as fever, joint pain, lethargy, and bleeding issues.

Other diseases, such as babesiosis and hepatozoonosis, can be transmitted by ticks but are not specifically linked to lone star ticks in the available information.

Tick removal is crucial for protecting dogs from these diseases. Home remedies, such as applying nail polish or petroleum jelly to the tick, should be avoided; instead, remove the tick as quickly as possible using a tick removal tool. It is also essential to monitor dogs for signs of illness after a tick bite and seek veterinary care if symptoms develop.

To protect dogs against lone star ticks and other tick species, pet owners are advised to consult with their veterinarian regarding flea and tick control options. Options may include oral medications, topicals, or collars. The use of products like Credelio, a chewable that kills ticks and fleas within 4 hours and provides protection for a full month, can help provide a broad range of parasite protection. Incorporating Interceptor Plus, which covers heartworm disease and four other worms, can further ensure comprehensive protection.

Regular tick checks after spending time outside with dogs are also recommended. Although ticks are less common in colder months, it is important to maintain year-round parasite control, as some tick species may be active during warmer winter days.

References:

Saleh, M. N. et al. (2021). Ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America: Biology, geographic distribution, and pathogen transmission. Veterinary Parasitology.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Lone star tick a concern, but not for Lyme disease. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/about/about-southern-tick-associated-rash-illness.html
American Veterinary Medical Association. (June 2003). Tularemia Facts. AVMF.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Ehrlichiosis in Dogs: Fast Facts for Veterinarians. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ehrlichiosis/pdfs/fs-ehrlichiosisvet-508.pdf
Texas A&M AgriLife. (n.d.). Lone star tick. The Tick App. Retrieved from https://tickapp.tamu.edu/home/tick-identification/lone-star-tick/

In light of the growing regional expansion of the aggressive Lone Star Tick, dog owners need to be vigilant about their pets' health and wellness, considering the medical-conditions transmitted by these ticks such as ehrlichiosis, cytauxzoonosis, tularemia, and anaplasmosis. To ensure the protection of dogs against these conditions and other tick-borne diseases, home remedies should be avoided, and veterinary advice regarding flea and tick control options should be sought, possibly incorporating products like Credelio and Interceptor Plus. Maintaining an awareness of one's pets' lifestyle and conducting regular tick checks are essential for preventing tick-related health risks.