More about ticks

Tick Species - Ixodes

Tiny tick that causes big problems

There are hundreds of species of ticks found throughout the world, but a tick named "Ixodes" (X-oh-dees) is the one that carries the bacteria that causes Lyme disease in dogs and humans.

This tick is called "the deer tick" in the Eastern and Midwestern areas of the U.S., and "the black-legged tick" in Western areas.

These ticks are very small (about the size of a sesame seed), and if you've ever checked for ticks on yourself or your dog, you know how difficult it is to find them. They have a sneaky way of hiding in areas of your dog's furry coat that makes them very hard to find during a tick check.

Ticks are a common vector for disease and only second to the mosquito for spreading illness to humans and animals. When dogs have a tick-borne disease, it's not uncommon for them to have multiple infections, such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. This is why comprehensive tick control programs are important.

To see photos of Ixodes and other ticks, go to www.dogsandticks.com.

Tick identification