A puppy was bitten by a tick: what should be done at home? - briefly
«If a young dog has been bitten by a tick, gently grasp the parasite close to the skin with fine tweezers and pull upward with steady pressure, then disinfect the bite site with antiseptic solution.» «Observe the area for several days, watch for signs of infection or illness, and contact a veterinarian promptly if redness, swelling, fever, or lethargy develop.»
A puppy was bitten by a tick: what should be done at home? - in detail
When a young dog is found with a tick, begin with a thorough visual inspection of the entire coat, paying special attention to areas behind the ears, under the collar, between the toes and in the armpits. Gather a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal tool, a pair of disposable gloves, antiseptic solution and clean gauze.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or squeezing the body, which can cause mouthparts to remain embedded. After removal, place the tick in a sealed container with alcohol for identification if needed. Disinfect the bite site with a mild antiseptic and apply a small amount of sterile gauze if bleeding occurs.
Observe the wound for the next 24–48 hours. Clean the area twice daily with antiseptic solution. If redness, swelling, or discharge appears, or if the dog exhibits lethargy, loss of appetite, fever or lameness, contact a veterinarian promptly, as these may indicate infection or transmission of tick‑borne pathogens.
Maintain a regular prophylactic regimen: use veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives (topical, oral or collar formulations), keep the living environment free of tall grass and leaf litter, and conduct weekly full‑body checks, especially after outdoor activities.
Record the date of removal, the tick’s appearance and any subsequent symptoms. This information assists veterinary assessment and guides future preventive strategies.