A tick was found on a dog; what should be done? - briefly
Remove the tick using fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward. Clean the site with antiseptic, observe the dog for fever or lethargy, and contact a veterinarian if any symptoms develop.
A tick was found on a dog; what should be done? - in detail
When a tick attaches to a canine, immediate removal is essential to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps precisely:
- Secure a pair of fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding the body.
- Apply steady, upward pressure; pull straight out without twisting.
- Disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine.
- Place the extracted tick in a sealed container with alcohol for identification, if veterinary advice is needed.
After removal, observe the dog for at least two weeks. Record any of the following signs and contact a veterinarian promptly:
- Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
- Joint swelling, limping, or stiffness.
- Skin rash, especially around the bite area.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
A veterinary examination should include:
- Physical inspection of the attachment site.
- Blood tests for tick‑borne pathogens (e.g., Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis).
- Administration of prophylactic antibiotics if indicated by regional disease prevalence.
Preventive measures reduce future infestations:
- Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral acaricide according to the product schedule.
- Inspect the coat daily after walks in wooded or grassy areas, focusing on the head, ears, neck, and tail base.
- Maintain a clean environment: regularly mow lawns, remove leaf litter, and treat the yard with appropriate tick control agents.
Documentation of each tick encounter, including date, location, and removal method, assists veterinary professionals in assessing exposure risk and tailoring treatment plans.