How can a dog be checked for ticks? - briefly
Run your hands and a fine‑toothed comb over the dog’s coat, focusing on the ears, neck, armpits, belly and between the toes to feel for attached parasites. If a tick is discovered, grasp it with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull straight upward with steady pressure until it releases.
How can a dog be checked for ticks? - in detail
Inspecting a dog for ticks requires a methodical approach and appropriate tools. Begin by gathering a fine‑toothed comb, a pair of blunt‑ended tweezers, disposable gloves, a bright flashlight, and a clean container with alcohol for storage.
Conduct the examination in a well‑lit area. Secure the animal on a stable surface; a helper may hold the dog gently but firmly. Start at the head and work backward, separating the fur with the comb. Pay particular attention to the ears, neck, under the chin, armpits, groin, tail base, and between the toes. Ticks often attach in warm, moist regions where the skin folds.
When a tick is found, follow these steps:
- Grasp the parasite as close to the skin as possible with tweezers, avoiding squeezing the body.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure until the mouthparts separate from the skin.
- Place the removed tick in the alcohol container for identification or disposal.
- Disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic solution.
After the full-body sweep, re‑check the areas already inspected to ensure no additional parasites remain. Record the date, location, and any observations about tick species or numbers for future reference.
Perform this routine weekly during peak tick season and after walks in wooded or grassy environments. Regular grooming, topical preventatives, and environmental control reduce infestation risk, but a thorough visual check remains the most reliable detection method.