How does a tick attach to a dog? - briefly
A tick grasps the fur, inserts its barbed mouthparts into the skin, and releases a cement-like substance to lock itself in place while feeding. It then penetrates to the blood vessels to draw blood.
How does a tick attach to a dog? - in detail
Ticks locate a host by climbing vegetation and extending their front legs to sense carbon dioxide, heat, and movement. When a dog passes within reach, the tick grasps the animal’s hair with its forelegs and climbs onto the skin.
The attachment process proceeds through several defined steps:
- Questing and detection – the tick perceives the dog’s exhaled CO₂ and body heat, triggering a forward movement.
- Initial contact – the front legs, equipped with sensory receptors, latch onto fur and push the tick toward the skin surface.
- Insertion of mouthparts – the tick inserts its hypostome, a barbed feeding tube, into the epidermis. The barbs anchor the parasite and prevent easy removal.
- Secretion of cement – salivary glands release a proteinaceous adhesive that hardens around the hypostome, creating a secure bond with the host’s tissue.
- Establishment of feeding site – the tick releases anticoagulants and immunomodulatory compounds to maintain blood flow and reduce host inflammation.
- Engorgement – blood is drawn through the hypostome into the tick’s midgut, allowing the parasite to swell dramatically before detaching.
The cement layer remains intact for several days, ensuring that the tick stays attached while it fills its body with blood. After engorgement, the tick secretes enzymes that dissolve the cement, allowing it to detach and drop off the dog to continue its life cycle.