Brown Dog Tick

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide, especially in warm climates; unusual among ticks for its ability to complete its entire life cycle indoors (kennels, homes, and crevices).

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophage (blood-feeder) that primarily feeds on domestic dogs, but will occasionally feed on other mammals including humans.

Behavior Patterns

A three-host tick that drops off the host after each life stage (larva, nymph, adult) to molt. They are highly resilient and can survive for months without a blood meal.

Risks & Benefits

Significant risk to animal and human health as a vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, canine ehrlichiosis, and canine babesiosis. They offer no notable benefits to ecosystems.

Identified on: 2/24/2026