Deer Tick Vs. Dog Tick: ID, Lyme Risk & Removal

deer tick dog tick infos

Deer ticks (also known as blacklegged ticks) and dog ticks are common pests that can transmit diseases. Knowing how to identify them, understand the Lyme disease risk, and remove them properly is crucial for preventing illness.

Identification

Deer Tick:

Size: Very small, especially in the nymph stage (resembling a poppy seed). Adults are still smaller than dog ticks.
Color: Nymphs are often reddish-brown. Adult females have a reddish-brown body and a black shield behind the head. Males are entirely black.
Legs: Dark legs, hence the name “blacklegged tick.”
Shape: Oval-shaped.

Dog Tick:

Size: Larger than deer ticks.
Color: Brownish with whitish or grayish markings on the shield behind the head.
Legs: Brown legs.
Shape: Oval-shaped.

A key difference is the size and the presence of the whitish/grayish markings on the dog tick’s shield. Deer ticks, especially nymphs, are easily overlooked due to their small size.

Lyme Disease Risk

Deer Tick: The primary vector of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Dog Tick: Can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia, but are not known to transmit Lyme disease.

Therefore, a bite from a deer tick carries a significantly higher risk of Lyme disease compared to a dog tick bite. Prevention and prompt action are vital when dealing with deer ticks.

Tick Removal

Use Fine-Tipped Tweezers: Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
Pull Steadily Upward: Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
Clean the Area: After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, iodine scrub, or soap and water.
Save the Tick (Optional): Place the tick in a sealed bag or container. If you develop symptoms later, you can have the tick identified and tested for disease-causing organisms.

What Not To Do: Avoid using petroleum jelly, nail polish, heat, or other folk remedies to remove a tick. These methods are ineffective and can irritate the skin or cause the tick to regurgitate, potentially increasing the risk of infection.

After the Bite

Monitor the bite area for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or a rash. A characteristic “bullseye” rash is a common symptom of Lyme disease, but not everyone develops this rash. Also, watch for flu-like symptoms, fatigue, joint pain, and other unusual symptoms. See a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you know you were bitten by a tick.

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