Ticks, or Ixodida, are among the most widespread and dangerous external parasites for dogs (and humans too). Despite their small size, ticks can pose a serious health threat, as they are vectors of numerous infectious diseases. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these disgusting yet important arthropods: where they live, how they attach, why some are large and others tiny, how to recognize them, and most importantly, how to protect our four-legged friend.
Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods belonging to the order Ixodida, subclass Acari. They need blood to complete their life cycle, feeding on mammals, birds, and reptiles. Closely related to spiders and mites, ticks are mainly divided into two large families:
Hard-Shelled Ticks (Ixodidae)
- They have a chitinous dorsal shield (armor).
- They attach to the host for several hours or days.
- They are the most common in Italy.
- Typical example: Ixodes ricinus (known as the woodland tick).
Soft-Shelled Ticks (Argasidae)
- Lack a rigid dorsal shield.
- Feed more quickly (even in just a few minutes).
- More common in arid or tropical areas.
- Rarely found in Italy.
Ticks in Italy
In Italy, most tick infestations fortunately involve hard-shelled species. The most common are:
- Ixodes ricinus – found in wooded environments, very active in spring and autumn.
Ixodes_ricinus by AfroBrazilian – Wikimedia AfroBrazilian, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 – via Wikimedia Commons - Rhipicephalus sanguineus – also known as the dog tick, lives in urban environments, especially during warmer months.
Rhipicephalus_sanguineus – Public Domain da Wikimedia - Dermacentor reticulatus – less common, but an important disease vector.
Dermacentor Reticulatus – I Accipiter Wikimedia – I, Accipiter, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Note: soft ticks are marginally present, mainly in rural areas with backyard poultry or livestock.
Why Are Some Ticks Small and Others Large?
Tick size depends on their feeding stage:
- Small tick (unfed): just attached, hard to spot.
- Engorged tick (fed): after hours or days of feeding, it swells significantly.
Females swell considerably to accumulate blood needed for egg maturation, while males feed little or not at all and remain smaller.
Tick Life Cycle
Ticks go through four stages:
- Egg
- Larva (6 legs)
- Nymph (8 legs)
- Adult
Each stage requires a blood meal to evolve, increasing the risk of pathogen transmission.
Diseases Transmitted by Ticks to Dogs
- Piroplasmosis (Babesiosis): anemia, fever, dark urine. Potentially fatal.
- Ehrlichiosis: fever, weight loss, nosebleeds, anemia.
- Borreliosis (Lyme Disease): intermittent lameness, fever, fatigue.
- Anaplasmosis, Rickettsiosis, Viral Encephalitis: growing zoonotic diseases.
How to Spot and Remove a Tick
Where to Look?
- Behind the ears
- Between the toes
- Under the armpits
- Under the tail
- Neck and head
How to Remove Them?
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick remover.
- Grasp it close to the skin.
- Pull slowly and steadily, without twisting.
- Disinfect the area.
- Avoid alcohol, oil, or flames.
Prevention: How to Protect Your Dog
- Monthly spot-on antiparasitics
- Long-lasting repellent collars
- Oral tablets (prescription only)
- Visual inspection after every walk
Avoid risky areas during warm months and keep gardens and green spaces clean.
Ticks and Climate: Why the Problem Is Growing?
Climate change is extending tick activity from March to November, even in temperate zones.
Are Ticks Dangerous for Humans Too?
Yes. Some species transmit diseases to humans as well, such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Protecting dogs means protecting the whole family.
Conclusion: ticks are tiny parasites, but the consequences of their bite can be serious. Prevention and prompt action are essential for your dog’s health.
