Dog has many ticks: what to do? - briefly
Remove the ticks immediately with fine‑point tweezers or a dedicated removal device, grasping each insect close to the skin and pulling straight out. Follow with a veterinarian‑approved tick preventive and inspect the dog regularly for new infestations.
Dog has many ticks: what to do? - in detail
Ticks attached to a dog in large numbers require immediate action to prevent disease transmission and skin irritation.
First, isolate the animal in a clean, well‑ventilated area to avoid spreading ticks to other pets or humans.
Next, perform a thorough inspection. Use a fine‑toothed comb or gloved hand to locate every parasite, checking ears, neck, underbelly, tail base, and between the toes.
Remove each tick with a calibrated tick‑removal tool or fine‑pointed tweezers:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body.
- Discard the tick in alcohol or a sealed container; do not crush it between fingers.
After removal, cleanse the bite sites with mild antiseptic solution and monitor for redness or swelling.
Administer a topical or oral acaricide recommended by a veterinarian. Options include:
- Spot‑on treatments containing fipronil, selamectin, or imidacloprid.
- Oral medications such as afoxolaner, fluralaner, or sarolaner, given at the label‑specified interval.
Schedule a follow‑up examination within 48–72 hours to verify that no ticks remain and to assess for early signs of tick‑borne illnesses (e.g., Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis).
Maintain a preventive program:
- Keep the dog’s environment tidy; mow grass regularly and remove leaf litter.
- Use tick‑preventive collars or monthly chewable tablets as directed.
- Inspect the animal after every outdoor activity, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
If any tick is engorged, the bite site shows inflammation, or the dog exhibits fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain, contact a veterinarian promptly for diagnostic testing and appropriate treatment.