A tick burrowed under a dog's skin, what to do? - briefly
If a tick has embedded itself beneath the dog’s skin, use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding squeezing the body. Clean the bite site with an antiseptic, watch for swelling or redness, and seek veterinary care if any mouthparts remain or infection signs develop.
A tick burrowed under a dog's skin, what to do? - in detail
When a tick penetrates the dermal layer of a dog, immediate action prevents infection and disease transmission.
First, confirm the presence of a tick. Look for a small, dark, oval object at the site of a raised bump or a tiny puncture wound. The head may be invisible if the body has detached, leaving only the mouthparts embedded.
Second, gather appropriate tools: fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick removal hook, sterile gauze, antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine), and a clean container with a lid for disposal.
Third, remove the parasite:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding squeezing the abdomen.
- Apply steady, upward pressure to pull the organism straight out without twisting.
- If the mouthparts remain, extract them with a sterile needle or tweezers.
Fourth, disinfect the area. Apply antiseptic to the wound, then cover with a light dressing if needed.
Fifth, monitor the site for 7‑10 days. Signs of concern include swelling, redness, pus, or persistent pain. Record any changes and the date of removal.
Sixth, assess the risk of tick‑borne diseases. If the tick was attached for more than 24‑48 hours, schedule a veterinary examination. The veterinarian may recommend blood tests for Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or anaplasmosis, and may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics.
Seventh, implement preventive measures: use veterinarian‑approved tick collars, topical spot‑on treatments, or oral medications; maintain a tidy yard; and regularly inspect the dog after outdoor activities.
Prompt, precise removal followed by proper wound care and veterinary follow‑up minimizes complications and protects the animal’s health.