Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can pose serious health risks to both pets and people. Understanding how ticks live, what diseases they carry, and how to prevent bites is essential for protecting your dog and your family.
What Are Ticks?
Although ticks are commonly thought of as insects, they are actually arachnids, closely related to spiders, scorpions, and mites. Ticks are parasites that survive by feeding on the blood of animals and humans.
Ticks do not jump or fly. Instead, they wait on the tips of grasses and shrubs for a host to pass by. When a person or animal brushes against vegetation, the tick quickly attaches and begins to crawl onto the host. Many people are surprised to learn that ticks can be active whenever temperatures are above 32°F, even during winter months. If you see grass, ticks may be present.
Common Ticks of Concern
While many tick species exist in North America, a few are most commonly encountered in this region:
American Dog Tick
This species represents about 70% of ticks found in Michigan. Adults are chestnut brown with white markings and are most commonly found near roads, trails, and recreational areas. They are most active in the spring.
Lone Star Tick
Recognized by a single white spot on females, this tick is found in wooded and brushy areas, especially near creeks and animal resting sites. Its range has been expanding in the Midwest, including Michigan. These ticks are most active from March through July.
Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick)
This tick represents about 20% of ticks found in Michigan and is commonly found in wooded areas along trails. It is the primary carrier of Lyme disease, as well as other infections such as anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis.
Brown Dog Tick
Unlike other ticks, this species can survive indoors. It is often found in kennels or homes and hides in cracks, rugs, furniture, and walls. It feeds mainly on dogs and rarely bites humans.
Asian Longhorned Tick
This invasive species was first detected in the United States in 2017 and continues to spread. These ticks are very small—about the size of a sesame seed—and females can reproduce without mating, allowing populations to grow quickly.
Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs
In this region, the most common tick-borne diseases affecting dogs include:
- Lyme Disease
- Anaplasma
- Ehrlichia
These diseases can also affect people, but humans do not get them directly from dogs. Infection occurs when both dogs and people are bitten by infected ticks.
Signs of Tick-Borne Illness
Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
Lyme Disease
- Fever
- Lameness or joint pain
- Swollen joints
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or weight loss in severe cases
Symptoms may not appear until two to five months after infection.
Anaplasma
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Occasional vomiting or coughing
- Rarely, bruising or bleeding problems
Ehrlichia
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weight loss
- Breathing difficulties
- Bleeding disorders
Diagnosis and Treatment
Veterinarians can screen for Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma using a simple blood test, often performed during routine annual heartworm testing. Additional blood or urine tests may be recommended to evaluate kidney function or confirm infection.
Many tick-borne diseases can be treated successfully with antibiotics, especially when detected early. In more advanced cases, treatment may focus on managing symptoms.
Prevention Is Key
Protecting your dog from ticks is the best way to prevent disease.
Important prevention steps include:
- Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products.
Some over-the-counter products are available, but prescription preventatives often provide the most reliable protection.
- Check your dog regularly for ticks.
Pay close attention to ears, eyes, between toes, under tails, and around the neck.
- Maintain your yard.
Keep grass trimmed, remove brush and leaf litter, and create mulch barriers around play areas.
- Consider the Lyme vaccine.
Dogs in high-risk areas may benefit from vaccination. Your veterinarian can help determine if this is appropriate.
- Act quickly if you find a tick.
Early removal significantly reduces the risk of disease transmission.
How to Safely Remove a Tick
If you find a tick on your dog or yourself:
- Wear gloves when handling ticks.
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull straight out using steady pressure.
- Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick.
- Clean the bite area with soap and water afterward.
Avoid home remedies such as petroleum jelly, heat, or alcohol before removal, as these methods may increase disease risk.
Removing a tick promptly is critical. Most disease transmission occurs only after a tick has been attached for 12–24 hours.
If you are unsure how to remove a tick or your pet shows signs of illness, contact your veterinarian.
Stay Alert and Stay Protected
Tick awareness is the first step toward prevention. By using proper tick control, checking pets regularly, and seeking veterinary care when needed, you can greatly reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases and keep your pets—and your family—safe.
