The Asian longhorned ticking is a relatively new species in the United States that can transmit diseases likeRocky Mountain spot feverandbabesiosis . Given that dogs are often curious creature who frolic in places where ticks reside , they can also be at increase jeopardy . Though there are still a lot of terra incognita about this tick , scientists and veterinarians do have some insight .
Here , we ’ll fill you in on what you need to know about Asiatic longhorned tick , and most importantly , how to protect your pup .
What Is the Asian Longhorned Tick?
The Asian longhorned ticking ( scientific name : Haemaphysalis longicornis ) is an invasive parasite that feeds on human and fauna line for its survival . Like other check species , they be given to inhabit tall grass and wooded surface area , waiting to attach themselves to unsuspicious human and animals [ 1 ] .
The Asian longhorned ticking sizing is that of a sesame cum when unfed , but it can become pea - sized when filled with the blood of its host [ 1 ] . It ’s a loose brown tick that does n’t have decided marking found inother species , let in the commonbrown detent check mark . To evidence the difference , “ … look for the comportment of ‘ heart ’ on the sides of its dead body , near the second row of legs , which is present on the brown dog tick , ” advises Dr. Jerry Klein , chief veterinary ship’s officer at theAmerican KennelClub . “ These ‘ eyes ’ are miss from Asiatic longhorned ticks . ”
Asian longhorned tick are a square species that can reproduce without deliver to copulate , hold males a low density [ 1 ] . Since they can lie up to 2,500 eggs during their breeding season ( hap late spring and early summer ) , one female can cause an Asian longhorned ticking infestation [ 2 ] . What ’s even more frustrative is that low temps do n’t touch them as much . “ The Asiatic longhorned check mark is not stamp out off by the cold like other check mark species , ” sound out Dr. Amber Karwacki , a partner doctor withHeart + Pawat their Callowhill location in Philadelphia .
How did the Asian longhorned tick get to America?
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ( APHIS ) of the USDA confirms that in the U.S. , the first Asian longhorned ticking was reported in New Jersey in 2017 , though they think it arrived prior to that . Scientists suppose that this coinage come here by hitching a ride with imported animals or humans returning from abroad [ 1 ] .
To particular date , Asian longhorned ticks have been confined to the Midwest and eastern portions of the country , and Dr. Karwacki enounce they ’re not expected to become far-flung .
The bear on states include [ 3 ] :
Are Asian Longhorned Ticks a Danger to Dogs?
There are still a lot of unknown about Asiatic longhorned tick , with most insights deduct from their countries of pedigree or via research laboratory replications .
For now , the danger to dogs in the U.S. is not critical , Dr. Klein notes , “ But there is likely for [ the ] cattle farm of a multitude of tick - contain diseases via this type of tick , as has been reported in other countries due to this tick ’s invasiveness . ”
What scientists do be intimate is that these ticks can be infect with both bacterium and viruses that cause disease .
Asian Longhorned Tick Diseases: Bacterial
Asian Longhorned Tick Diseases: Viral
Asian Longhorned Tick Symptoms in Dogs
Although veterinarians are still learning about how these ticks impingement dogs , they say Asian longhorned tick diseases tend to deal similar symptoms with other tick - borne maladies .
“ The check bite itself will not cause symptoms other than irritation at the site of the bite , ” Dr. Kawacki explains . “ If a disease was transfer during the bite , the symptoms can deviate bet on the disease . Some of the common symptom can be lethargy , joint and muscle pain , and Gb distressed . ” Other potential Asian longhorned tick symptom to take in for include :
A dog who gets sting by a tick and rise any of these symptoms should be seen by a veterinary surgeon as shortly as possible , Dr. Klein say .
Asian Longhorned Tick on Dog: Next Steps
If you do see an Asian longhorned tick insect bite or retick on your puppy , do n’t panic . There are things you’re able to do to prevent illness and uncomfortableness .
Remove the Tick Right Away
withdraw the Asian longhorned tick promptly ( within 12 60 minutes ) to forbid the occurrence of tick - borne illnesses , Dr. Klein advises . “ The sooner a tick is removed , the modest the prospect of the bacteria carried by a tick transferring into the profligate of a dog or mortal . ” If you ca n’t quick remove the tick , Dr. Klein recommends taking your bounder to your veterinarian as soon as potential .
If you need stone’s throw - by - stair command onhow to remove a tick from a dogor guidance on the most effectivetick removal toolsto use , we have you covered .
Contact Your Veterinarian if Needed
Once you ’ve removed the tick , it ’s not necessary to bring the dog to a veterinarian , Dr. Klein say , “ But a dog-iron that has been bitten by a tick should be seen by a veterinarian as shortly as [ they exhibit ] any symptoms that could be due to a tick bit . ”
Snap a Photo if You Can
Try taking a pic of the dead tick with your earphone , Dr. Klein say . He recommends placing it in a pocket-sized , seal off pliant bag with isopropyl alcohol , then in the deep freezer for two day to be sure it ’s dead . “ you may then dispose of the dead check , or the closed pocketbook can then be take aim to your veterinarian , ” he says .
How to Protect Your Dog from Asian Longhorned Ticks
For now , the precautions for protecting your dog from Asian longhorned ticks are like to that for other check mintage .
Invest in Trusted Tick Protection
“ The beneficial trade protection is monthly flea andtick prevention , which should be devote year - orotund , ” Dr. Karwacki says . Because Asiatic Longhorned tick are not killed off by cold temperatures like other tick species , the year - orotund part is peculiarly crucial .
Some flea and tick control products on the market provide coverage against the Asian longhorned tick , among other parasites . In January 2025 , the FDA O.K. new recording label indications forSimparica TrioandSimparica Chewablesto include the discourse and control of infestations with Asian longhorned ticks . Other ware that protect against this species includeNexGard PlusandBravecto Chews . Work with your veterinarian to decide the beneficial option for your pup .
Check Your Dog for Ticks After Being Outdoors
Checking for ticks is particularly significant for dogs who ’ve been in environment where tick may lodge in , like grassy or wooded areas , Dr. Klein says . “ Carefully also check the bottom of the paws , include between the paw pads , under their ears , around the eyes and olfactory organ , and the underside of their fundament near the rectum , ” he adds .
Dr. Klein also suggest that you check your own clothes and body for ticks after coming indoors . “ Ticks should be removed immediately because they can carry disease that affect human health . ”
Protect Your Outdoor Area
spend prison term outside with your frump can put you and your dog at increased peril of making contact with the Asiatic longhorned tick . Veterinarians recommend keeping lawn grass reduce low . “ possessor can also make certain that brush is brighten from the yard and have a 9 - fundament space between the yard and wooded surface area to assist foreclose exposure to tick , ” Dr. Karwacki enjoin .
