: a common North American ixodid tick (Dermacentor variabilis) especially of dogs and humans that is an important vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia
called also dog tick
Examples of American dog tick in a Sentence
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Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
In North America alone, there are around 10 species of native ticks including the American dog tick and the blacklegged or deer tick, which can all spread diseases through a simple bite.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026
Other ticks commonly found in North Carolina include the black-legged tick and American dog tick.
—Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Accounting for 75% of Michigan's ticks, American dog ticks, or wood ticks, live in forests and grassy areas throughout Michigan.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Some ticks, like the deer tick, are active year-round, and dog ticks come out during spring and summer.
—Elle Meyers, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Deer ticks and dog ticks, which are both native to Connecticut, are most frequent transmitters of Lyme disease.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
That includes the American dog tick, which lives east of the Rocky Mountains and on parts of the Pacific Coast.
—Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Sep. 2025
American dog tick: The tick can be found in all Indiana counties and is mainly seen during April to July.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 31 July 2025
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Noun
American dog tick Males are dark red with white interlaced patterns across the entire back.
—Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
In North America alone, there are around 10 species of native ticks including the American dog tick and the blacklegged or deer tick, which can all spread diseases through a simple bite.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026
Other ticks commonly found in North Carolina include the black-legged tick and American dog tick.
—Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Accounting for 75% of Michigan's ticks, American dog ticks, or wood ticks, live in forests and grassy areas throughout Michigan.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Some ticks, like the deer tick, are active year-round, and dog ticks come out during spring and summer.
—Elle Meyers, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Deer ticks and dog ticks, which are both native to Connecticut, are most frequent transmitters of Lyme disease.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
That includes the American dog tick, which lives east of the Rocky Mountains and on parts of the Pacific Coast.
—Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Sep. 2025
American dog tick: The tick can be found in all Indiana counties and is mainly seen during April to July.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“American dog tick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20dog%20tick. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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