How do I find ticks on a dog? - briefly
Inspect the dog’s coat carefully, especially around the ears, under the legs, in the groin, and between the toes, feeling for tiny, dome‑shaped bumps with a fine‑toothed comb or fingertips. If a parasite is found, grasp it near the skin with tweezers and pull straight out with steady pressure.
How do I find ticks on a dog? - in detail
Detecting ticks on a canine requires systematic inspection and proper tools. Begin by restraining the animal in a calm environment; a leash or a helper can keep the dog still while you examine it. Conduct a full-body sweep, focusing on common attachment sites: ears, neck, under the collar, armpits, groin, between the toes, and the base of the tail. Use a fine-toothed comb or a tick-finding glove to run through the fur, feeling for small, raised bumps that differ from hair or skin.
When a potential tick is spotted, isolate it with tweezers or a tick removal device. Grasp the parasite as close to the skin as possible, applying steady, upward pressure until the head detaches. Avoid twisting or squeezing the body, which can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded. After extraction, clean the bite area with antiseptic and store the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed.
Repeat the inspection weekly during peak tick season and after any outdoor activity in wooded or grassy areas. Incorporate regular grooming sessions into the routine, as brushing enhances tactile detection and removes detached ticks before they embed. If a dog shows signs of irritation, redness, or unexplained lethargy, consider a veterinary examination to rule out tick-borne disease.
Maintain preventive measures by applying veterinarian‑approved tick repellents or collars, and keep the yard trimmed to reduce habitat. Consistent monitoring, proper removal, and preventive treatment together minimize the risk of infestation and associated health complications.