How can ticks be searched for on a dog? - briefly
Run your fingers over the coat, pulling the hair back to expose the skin, and examine the neck, ears, armpits, and between the toes for attached parasites. Use a fine‑toothed comb or a tick‑removal tool to detect and extract any specimens you find.
How can ticks be searched for on a dog? - in detail
Inspecting a dog for attached arachnids requires a systematic, thorough approach. Begin by securing the animal in a calm environment; a leash or a gentle restraint prevents sudden movements that could obscure detection. Use a bright, handheld light or a flashlight to illuminate the coat, especially in low‑light conditions, as ticks are often difficult to see against dark fur.
Proceed section by section, starting at the head and moving toward the tail. Pay particular attention to:
- Ears, including the inner folds and the base of the ear canal.
- Neck, especially the area behind the jaw and under the collar.
- Armpits and the inner thighs, where skin folds create humid micro‑habitats.
- Between the toes and pads of the paws, where ticks may hide in debris.
- Tail base and the ventral surface of the abdomen, which are common attachment sites.
For long‑haired breeds, part the hair with a fine‑toothed comb, moving the comb slowly against the grain to expose any engorged or flat specimens. In short‑haired dogs, run gloved hands over the skin, feeling for small, raised bumps that differ in texture from surrounding fur.
If a tick is located, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with fine‑pointed tweezers or a tick‑removal tool. Apply steady, upward pressure while rotating gently; avoid crushing the body to prevent pathogen release. After removal, clean the bite site with antiseptic and store the specimen in a sealed container for identification if needed.
Repeat the inspection weekly during peak tick season and after any outdoor excursions in wooded or grassy areas. Maintaining a clean environment—regularly mowing lawns, removing leaf litter, and using veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives—reduces the likelihood of infestations and simplifies subsequent checks.