Asian Longhorned Tick: Dangers for Dogs
The Asian longhorned tick is a relatively new species in the United States that can transmit diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis. Given that dogs are often curious creatures who frolic in places where ticks reside, they can also be at increased risk. Though there are still a lot of unknowns about this tick, scientists and veterinarians do have some insights.
Here, we’ll fill you in on what you need to know about Asian longhorned ticks, and most importantly, how to protect your pup.
What Is the Asian Longhorned Tick?
The Asian longhorned tick (scientific name: Haemaphysalis longicornis) is an invasive parasite that feeds on human and animal blood for its survival. Like other tick species, they tend to inhabit tall grass and wooded areas, waiting to attach themselves to unsuspecting humans and animals [1].
The Asian longhorned tick size is that of a sesame seed when unfed, but it can become pea-sized when filled with the blood of its host [1]. It’s a light brown tick that doesn’t have distinct markings found in other species, including the common brown dog tick. To tell the difference, “…look for the presence of ‘eyes’ on the sides of its body, near the second row of legs, which is present on the brown dog tick,” advises Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer at the American Kennel Club. “These ‘eyes’ are missing from Asian longhorned ticks.”
Asian longhorned ticks are a hearty species that can reproduce without having to mate, making males a rarity [1]. Since they can lay up to 2,500 eggs during their breeding season (occurring late spring and early summer), one female can cause an Asian longhorned tick infestation [2]. What’s even more frustrating is that lower temps don’t impact them as much. “The Asian longhorned tick is not killed off by the cold like other tick species,” says Dr. Amber Karwacki, a partner doctor with Heart + Paw at their Callowhill location in Philadelphia.
How did the Asian longhorned tick get to America?
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA confirms that in the U.S., the first Asian longhorned tick was reported in New Jersey in 2017, though they think it arrived prior to that. Scientists hypothesize that this species came here by hitching a ride with imported animals or humans returning from abroad [1].
To date, Asian longhorned ticks have been confined to the Midwest and eastern portions of the country, and Dr. Karwacki says they’re not expected to become widespread.
The impacted states include [3]:
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Are Asian Longhorned Ticks a Danger to Dogs?
There are still a lot of unknowns about Asian longhorned ticks, with most insights derived from their countries of origin or via laboratory replications.
For now, the danger to dogs in the U.S. is not critical, Dr. Klein notes, “But there is potential for [the] spread of a multitude of tick-borne diseases via this type of tick, as has been reported in other countries due to this tick’s invasiveness.”
What scientists do know is that these ticks can be infected with both bacteria and viruses that cause diseases.
Asian Longhorned Tick Diseases: Bacterial
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Rickettsiosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Theileriosis
- Babesiosis
- Lyme disease (4)
Asian Longhorned Tick Diseases: Viral
- Powassan Virus
- Heartland Virus (not currently known to affect dogs)
- Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus
Asian Longhorned Tick Symptoms in Dogs
Although veterinarians are still learning about how these ticks impact dogs, they say Asian longhorned tick diseases tend to share similar symptoms with other tick-borne maladies.
“The tick bite itself will not cause symptoms other than irritation at the site of the bite,” Dr. Kawacki explains. “If a disease was transmitted during the bite, the symptoms can vary depending on the disease. Some of the common symptoms can be lethargy, joint and muscle pain, and GI upset.” Other potential Asian longhorned tick symptoms to watch for include:
- Poor appetite
- Fever
- Lameness
- Swollen lymph nodes
A dog who gets bitten by a tick and develops any of these symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, Dr. Klein says.
Asian Longhorned Tick on Dog: Next Steps
If you do discover an Asian longhorned tick bite or tick on your pup, don’t panic. There are things you can do to prevent illness and discomfort.
Remove the Tick Right Away
Remove the Asian longhorned tick promptly (within 12 hours) to prevent the occurrence of tick-borne illnesses, Dr. Klein advises. “The sooner a tick is removed, the lower the chance of the bacteria carried by a tick transferring into the blood of a dog or person.” If you can’t promptly remove the tick, Dr. Klein recommends taking your dog to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you need step-by-step instructions on how to remove a tick from a dog or guidance on the most effective tick removal tools to use, we have you covered.
Contact Your Veterinarian if Needed
Once you’ve removed the tick, it’s not necessary to bring the dog to a veterinarian, Dr. Klein says, “But a dog that has been bitten by a tick should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as [they display] any symptoms that could be caused by a tick bite.”
Snap a Photo if You Can
Try taking a photo of the dead tick with your phone, Dr. Klein says. He recommends placing it in a small, sealed plastic bag with isopropyl alcohol, then in the freezer for two days to be sure it’s dead. “You can then dispose of the dead tick, or the closed bag can then be taken to your veterinarian,” he says.
How to Protect Your Dog from Asian Longhorned Ticks
For now, the precautions for protecting your dog from Asian longhorned ticks are similar to that for other tick species.
Invest in Trusted Tick Protection
“The best protection is monthly flea and tick prevention, which should be given year-round,” Dr. Karwacki says. Because Asian Longhorned ticks are not killed off by cold temperatures like other tick species, the year-round part is especially important.
Some flea and tick control products on the market provide coverage against the Asian longhorned tick, among other parasites. In January 2025, the FDA approved new label indications for Simparica Trio and Simparica Chewables to include the treatment and control of infestations with Asian longhorned ticks. Other products that protect against this species include NexGard Plus and Bravecto Chews. Work with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your pup.
Check Your Dog for Ticks After Being Outdoors
Checking for ticks is especially important for dogs who’ve been in environments where ticks may reside, like grassy or wooded areas, Dr. Klein says. “Carefully also check the bottom of the paws, including between the paw pads, under their ears, around the eyes and nose, and the underside of their tail near the rectum,” he adds.
Dr. Klein also advises that you check your own clothes and body for ticks after coming indoors. “Ticks should be removed immediately because they can carry diseases that affect human health.”
Protect Your Outdoor Area
Spending time outside with your dog can put you and your dog at increased risk of making contact with the Asian longhorned tick. Veterinarians recommend keeping lawn grass cut low. “Owners can also make sure that brush is cleared from the yard and have a 9-foot space between the yard and wooded areas to help prevent exposure to ticks,” Dr. Karwacki says.
References
- The Asian Longhorned Tick: What You Need to Know Story Map. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA). 2024 July. Retrieved from https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ticks/asian-longhorned/asian-longhorned-tick-what-you-need-know
- Asian Longhorned Tick. University of Maryland Extension. 2024 October. Retrieved from https://extension.umd.edu/resource/asian-longhorned-tick/
- Where Ticks Live. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024 July. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/about/where-ticks-live.html
- Asian Longhorned Tick. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Retrieved from https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/integration/vector-management/ticks/asian-longhorned-tick.html
