brown dog tick
noun
: a widely distributed reddish-brown tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) that occurs chiefly on dogs and transmits several diseases (such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis)
Examples of brown dog tick in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In Arizona, by the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, which can be found all across the country and the state.
—
Clara Migoya, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
Here in the dry desert, among the saguaro cactuses and tumbleweeds, investigators found a different culprit: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, commonly known as the brown dog tick, a species that thrives on the reservation.
—Pien Huang, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025
Mexico also sees several cases where brown dog ticks are prevalent.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
For instance, the lone star tick, named for a white spot on its back, is often found in Texas, and the brown dog tick thrives in Arizona.
—Ashwin Rodrigues, Outside Online, 11 July 2024
This tick, along with the American dog tick and brown dog tick, can infect people with a potentially fatal disease called Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).5
Where Do Ticks Bite?
The first thing the tick will likely do is look for a good spot to bite.
—Maria Masters, Health, 9 June 2024
The American dog tick and the brown dog tick are also responsible for spreading the Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
—Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 5 May 2024
While several types of ticks can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever in different parts of the country, the brown dog tick is responsible for the illness in the southwestern U.S. and in Mexico and is found there year-round.
—Erika Edwards, NBC News, 8 Dec. 2023
Available in 2-ounce and 4-ounce spray bottles, this repellent advertises up to four hours of protection from deer ticks and up to eight hours for lone star ticks and brown dog ticks.
—Steven Rowe, Health, 28 Aug. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Clara Migoya, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
Here in the dry desert, among the saguaro cactuses and tumbleweeds, investigators found a different culprit: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, commonly known as the brown dog tick, a species that thrives on the reservation.
—Pien Huang, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025
Mexico also sees several cases where brown dog ticks are prevalent.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
For instance, the lone star tick, named for a white spot on its back, is often found in Texas, and the brown dog tick thrives in Arizona.
—Ashwin Rodrigues, Outside Online, 11 July 2024
This tick, along with the American dog tick and brown dog tick, can infect people with a potentially fatal disease called Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).5
Where Do Ticks Bite?
The first thing the tick will likely do is look for a good spot to bite.
—Maria Masters, Health, 9 June 2024
The American dog tick and the brown dog tick are also responsible for spreading the Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
—Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 5 May 2024
While several types of ticks can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever in different parts of the country, the brown dog tick is responsible for the illness in the southwestern U.S. and in Mexico and is found there year-round.
—Erika Edwards, NBC News, 8 Dec. 2023
Available in 2-ounce and 4-ounce spray bottles, this repellent advertises up to four hours of protection from deer ticks and up to eight hours for lone star ticks and brown dog ticks.
—Steven Rowe, Health, 28 Aug. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Brown dog tick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brown%20dog%20tick. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share