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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
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
The less-common brown dog tick has also caused several cases along the US-Mexico border.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2023
Pritt, with the Mayo Clinic, said Rocky Mountain spotted fever is spread primarily through the American dog tick, as well as the brown dog tick, which are both found in Kentucky.
—The Washington Post, The Mercury News, 4 June 2019
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Word History
First Known Use
1907, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near brown dog tick
Cite this Entry
“Brown dog tick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brown%20dog%20tick. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
brown dog tick
noun
: a widely distributed reddish-brown tick of the genus Rhipicephalus (R. sanguineus) that occurs chiefly on dogs and transmits several diseases (as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis)
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