Dog bitten by a tick – what to do? - briefly
If a tick is attached to your dog, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers and pull straight outward with steady pressure, then disinfect the bite site and watch for signs of illness, contacting a veterinarian promptly if fever, lethargy, or skin changes occur.
Dog bitten by a tick – what to do? - in detail
When a tick attaches to a dog, prompt and correct handling reduces the risk of disease transmission.
First, locate the parasite. Ticks appear as small, rounded masses, often near the ears, neck, or between the toes. Use a fine‑toothed comb or your fingers to feel for any raised bumps if the animal’s coat is thick.
To remove the tick, follow these steps:
- Obtain a pair of thin, pointed tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding the body.
- Apply steady, downward pressure; pull straight out without twisting.
- Place the detached tick in a sealed container with alcohol for identification if needed.
After extraction, clean the bite site with a mild antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine) and monitor the area for swelling, redness, or discharge.
Observe the dog for systemic signs over the next weeks. Record any of the following:
- Lethargy or loss of appetite
- Fever (temperature above 102.5 °F / 39.2 °C)
- Lameness or joint pain
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss
If any symptom appears, contact a veterinarian immediately. The clinician may recommend blood tests for Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or anaplasmosis, and may prescribe antibiotics or supportive therapy.
Prevent future incidents by maintaining a regular tick‑prevention program. Options include topical spot‑on treatments, oral chewables, or collars containing acaricidal agents. Apply products according to the manufacturer’s schedule, and re‑check the dog after walks in wooded or grassy areas.
Finally, keep a record of tick exposures, removal dates, and any veterinary interventions. This documentation assists the veterinarian in diagnosing potential infections and adjusting preventive measures.