A dog was tormented by ticks – what should be done? - briefly
Remove the ticks with fine‑point tweezers, grasping each as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward, then clean the site with antiseptic and monitor for infection. Follow up with a veterinary examination and initiate a regular tick‑preventive regimen to avoid future infestations.
A dog was tormented by ticks – what should be done? - in detail
Ticks attached to a dog require immediate attention to prevent disease transmission and tissue damage.
First, confirm the presence of ticks by inspecting the coat, especially around the ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes. Use a fine‑toothed comb or a flashlight to locate all stages of the parasite.
Removal procedure
- Gather a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding squeezing the body.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- After extraction, disinfect the bite site with a mild antiseptic solution.
- Place the tick in a sealed container with alcohol for identification or future veterinary reference.
Post‑removal care
- Observe the wound for signs of infection: redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Monitor the dog for abnormal behavior, lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever, which may indicate tick‑borne illness.
- If any of these symptoms appear, contact a veterinarian promptly; blood tests may be required to detect pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Ehrlichia spp., or Anaplasma spp.
Preventive measures
- Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral acaricide according to the product’s schedule.
- Maintain regular grooming sessions to detect early infestations.
- Keep the dog’s environment clean: mow grass, remove leaf litter, and treat the yard with an appropriate tick control agent.
- Limit exposure to high‑risk habitats, especially during peak tick activity seasons.
Veterinary support
- Schedule routine examinations that include tick checks and preventive medication updates.
- Discuss vaccination options for tick‑borne diseases where available.
Prompt removal, diligent wound care, and consistent prevention significantly reduce the risk of complications associated with tick infestations.