How Long Can a Tick Live on Dog?

The length of time that a tick can live on a dog depends on the species of tick, the age of the tick when it first attacked, and whether the tick was able to feed.

For example:

- The _Rhipicephalus sanguineus_ tick, or the "brown dog tick," is found worldwide but more often in warm climates. This species can live on a dog for up to 14 days, and even in the adult stage, it can live on a dog for up to 10 days (females) or six days (males).

- The _Ixodes scapularis_ tick, or "deer tick," also found worldwide, can live up to 168 hours (seven days) on a host.

- Adult female _Amblyomma americanum_ ticks ("lone star tick") can feed on a host for three to six days.

- _Dermacentor variabilis_ ticks ("American dog tick") are usually attached for two to three days. Males usually feed for less than one day.

- The _Haemaphysalis longicornis_ tick, also known as "longhorned tick," typically remains on its host for three days.

Ticks often seek areas where skin is moist and thin, such as on or near the head, neck, chest, and legs. In general, ticks take 36-48 hours to transmit Lyme disease to a human host and may remain attached 3-6 days while fully engorging. Deer ticks can survive for weeks or months without a blood meal.