This species is the most important vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the United States. Experimentally, the species has also been implicated in the transmission of anaplasmosis. The brown dog tick , Rhipicephalus sanquineus , is found worldwide in temperate climates. Although it is a three-host tick, its hosts are almost exclusively dogs. It remains close to areas frequented by dogs, including kennels, sheds, barns and other buildings.
Nymphs often congregate at the bottom of building walls.
This tick can complete its life cycle in about two months, so there may be multiple generations. It is a vector of canine babesiosis, canine ehrlichiosis, and probably Salmonella entoritches . Larvae and nymphs are found on small animals or birds. Adults usually parasitize larger animals such as deer, cattle, or horses. It is generally found only in the southeast corner of Nebraska and is rare even there.