This species prefers to feed on domestic dogs, hence the name; although according to University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Dept. this species will readily attack larger animals, such as cattle, horses, and even humans. They are also capable carriers of the pathogens causing diseases such as: Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and tularemia, and can cause canine tick paralysis among several other tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted to both humans and dogs.