What should I know about the lone star tick and will most tick medication like Advantix protect my dog?
Original Question: What can you tell me about the lone star tick? Is this a new breed of tick? Will the current tick medication my dog is on (Advantix) protect him from the lone star tick? - Debbie
Apr 25, 2018
Hi Debbie,
This is a fantastic question, and very relevant.
The Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum), was historically considered a tick species restricted to the Southern USA. In recent years, there have been reports of this tick being migrating further North. I myself have pulled one from a dog within the last year. This tick can be a vector for several infectious diseases that can infect dogs, as well as humans. Therefore, it is important to ensure your pet is on a preventative medication, especially if he or she may be exposed to high-risk areas (wooded areas in a tick-endemic area of Ontario, for example). Most commercially available tick products today should provide protection against this tick, but there is some variation between products. Your veterinarian can guide you on selecting the most appropriate product for your pet and lifestyle.
I hope this helps!
Dr. Kim Hester
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