How can I check for ticks on domestic animals? - briefly
Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the animal’s coat, paying special attention to ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes, and use a fine‑toothed comb to separate hair. Remove any attached ticks with tweezers, grasping them as close to the skin as possible, then clean the bite site with an antiseptic.
How can I check for ticks on domestic animals? - in detail
Ticks are external parasites that can transmit diseases to dogs, cats, horses, and other household animals. Early detection reduces the risk of infection and limits the need for extensive treatment.
A systematic inspection should include the following steps:
- Part the animal’s coat with a comb or fingers, starting at the head and moving toward the tail. Pay particular attention to the ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between the toes.
- Examine the skin surface for small, dark, oval‑shaped organisms. Ticks may be engorged and appear larger, resembling a tiny, flat disc.
- Use a magnifying glass for close‑up observation when the animal’s fur is dense or the tick is in an early stage.
- Check the animal’s bedding, grooming tools, and surrounding environment for detached ticks or eggs, which indicate a potential infestation.
If a tick is found, remove it promptly:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or crushing the body.
- Disinfect the bite area with an antiseptic solution.
- Dispose of the tick in alcohol, a sealed container, or by incineration to prevent reattachment.
After removal, monitor the animal for signs of irritation, fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Record the date of removal and the tick’s stage, if identifiable, to assist veterinary assessment. Regular grooming, use of approved acaricide products, and environmental control—such as mowing grass and removing leaf litter—further reduce the likelihood of future encounters.