How and with what should subcutaneous ticks in dogs be treated? - briefly
Effective treatment of subcutaneous tick infestations in dogs involves prompt removal of the parasites followed by administration of systemic acaricides such as isoxazoline oral products (e.g., fluralaner, afoxolaner) or appropriate topical formulations. Supportive care, including anti‑inflammatory medication and monitoring for secondary infection, enhances recovery.
How and with what should subcutaneous ticks in dogs be treated? - in detail
Subcutaneous tick infestations in dogs require prompt removal, antimicrobial therapy, and supportive care to prevent secondary infection and systemic disease.
First, locate the embedded tick by palpating the area for a firm nodule, often accompanied by localized swelling. If the tick is not fully embedded, grasp the head with fine‑pointed forceps and pull straight upward with steady pressure, avoiding crushing the body. When the parasite is completely beneath the skin, make a small incision over the nodule, extract the tick with sterile tweezers, and close the wound with a single suture or tissue adhesive. Clean the site with an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine.
Second, administer systemic antibiotics to address bacterial contamination. Recommended choices include:
- Amoxicillin‑clavulanate, 12.5 mg/kg orally twice daily for 7‑10 days.
- Doxycycline, 5 mg/kg orally twice daily for 14 days, especially if ehrlichiosis or other rickettsial agents are suspected.
- Enrofloxacin, 5 mg/kg orally once daily for 5‑7 days, as an alternative for resistant infections.
Third, provide anti‑inflammatory medication to reduce pain and edema. Options are:
- Carprofen, 2 mg/kg orally once daily for 3‑5 days.
- Meloxicam, 0.1 mg/kg orally once daily for 2‑3 days.
If the dog shows signs of systemic illness—fever, lethargy, loss of appetite—consider adding supportive therapy:
- Intravenous fluid therapy (20–30 ml/kg/day) to maintain hydration.
- Antiparasitic agents such as ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously) or afoxolaner (dose per product label) to eliminate residual ticks and prevent reinfestation.
Finally, implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence:
- Monthly topical or oral ectoparasitic products (e.g., fipronil, selamectin, fluralaner).
- Regular inspection of the coat after outdoor activities, focusing on common attachment sites (ears, neck, abdomen).
- Environmental control by treating the dog's living area with acaricides and maintaining short grass in yards.
Monitoring after treatment should include re‑examination of the incision site at 48 hours and again at one week to confirm healing and absence of residual tick material. Laboratory testing for tick‑borne pathogens (PCR or serology) is advisable when clinical signs persist.