How do you examine a dog for ticks? - briefly
Inspect the coat, skin, ears, and areas such as the armpits, groin, and between toes, pulling the fur back and feeling for small, hard bumps. Remove attached ticks with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling steadily upward.
How do you examine a dog for ticks? - in detail
Inspect the animal thoroughly before any outdoor activity ends. Begin by calming the dog, using a leash or a gentle hold to prevent sudden movement.
- Prepare a well‑lit area; natural daylight or a bright lamp reveals small parasites.
- Part the coat with a comb or fingers, starting at the head and moving toward the tail.
- Examine the following regions systematically:
- ears – inner folds and base
- neck – under the collar line
- armpits – inside front legs
- groin – between hind legs
- belly – especially around the umbilical area
- tail base – near the vent
- paws – between toes and on pads
- Look for attached ticks: dark, engorged bodies, sometimes with a visible head embedded in the skin. Also note any small, moving larvae or nymphs.
- If a tick is found, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with fine‑pointed tweezers or a tick‑removal tool. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or squeezing the body to prevent mouth‑part retention.
- Place the extracted tick in a sealed container with alcohol for identification or disposal.
- Clean the bite site with antiseptic solution; monitor for redness or swelling over the next 24–48 hours.
- Document the encounter: date, location, number of ticks, and any symptoms observed. Use this record to adjust preventive measures.
After the inspection, give the dog a thorough brush to remove any detached stages. Apply a veterinarian‑approved tick preventive product according to the label schedule. Regular checks, at least once daily during peak seasons, reduce the risk of disease transmission.