[6] Within North America, the normal range is in the eastern part of the continent, with some reports in California.

At the northernmost extent of its geographical range, in Nova Scotia and Massachusetts, ticks are active from April to August, with a peak in May to June.

[7] In coastal Virginia, the adults are active from April to September or October, with peaks in May and July.

Depending on the tick species and its stage of life, preparing to feed can take from 10 minutes to 2 hours.

[6] Small amounts of saliva from the tick may also enter the skin of the host animal during the feeding process.

[6] Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever appear within 3-12 days, usually beginning with a sudden onset of fever and headache, and frequently followed 2-4 days later by a rash around the wrists and ankles that moves slowly up to the rest of the body.

Other symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or muscle aches.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be fatal within days of symptoms beginning, if left untreated.

The American dog tick is commonly found in highly wooded, shrubby, and long-grass areas.

[9] Doxycycline is the medication of choice to treat Rocky Mountain spotted fever in dogs.

[10] Spread the dog’s fur, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and very gently pull straight upward in a slow, steady motion.