Brown dog tick in Australia: identify, remove, prevent
Introduction
The brown dog tick is common in warmer parts of Australia and can spread in kennels and homes. It prefers dogs and can complete its whole life cycle indoors. The goal is simple. Remove any ticks you find, protect your dog with prevention, and tidy up places where ticks hide.
How to recognise it
Brown dog ticks are small and reddish-brown. They often attach around the ears, neck, chest, between toes, and the tail base. Engorged ticks look larger and grey-brown. If you are unsure what you are seeing, save the tick in a sealed container and ask your vet to identify it.
Where they live
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Cracks in paving, decking, and kennel walls
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Gaps in skirting boards and under furniture in infested homes
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Shady garden edges, leaf litter, and long grass
Because this tick can live indoors, consistent prevention on every dog in the household is important.
What to do if you find one
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Stay calm and remove it promptly. Use a tick tool or fine-tipped tweezers. Grip close to the skin and lift straight out.
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Secure the tick in a sealed container in case your vet wants to see it.
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Check for more all over your dog — lips, ears, under the collar, between toes, armpits, groin, and tail base.
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Watch your dog for any signs of illness and call your vet if you’re concerned.
Prevention that works
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Use a proven tick product matched to your dog’s species, age, and weight. Dose on time
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Do daily tick searches in risk areas or after bush walks
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Keep kennels and resting spots clean and dry; wash bedding regularly
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Treat every dog in the home so you don’t leave gaps
Products we trust
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NexGard Chewables for Dogs — monthly tick and flea control when used as directed.
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Bravecto Chew for Dogs — long-lasting tick and flea control per label.
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Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs — monthly chew that covers fleas and ticks, with heartworm prevention and intestinal worm control.
Safety checks
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Dog products for dogs only. Never apply a dog product to a cat
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Match the weight band and minimum age
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In mixed cat-and-dog homes, keep cats away from recently treated dogs if labels advise
FAQ
Are brown dog ticks as dangerous as paralysis ticks?
Risk depends on your area and your dog. Both deserve prompt removal and reliable prevention. Ask your local vet about your region’s risks.
Do I need to treat my house?
Most households improve with on-time prevention and kennel/home hygiene. Severe infestations sometimes need professional pest control.
Can I rely on daily searches instead of prevention?
Searches help but can miss small or hidden ticks. Use prevention and daily checks in risk areas.
If you’re unsure which product or schedule fits your dog and household, our vet-led team can help you choose a simple plan that works for you.
