How does a tick attached to a dog look? - briefly
A tick presents as a tiny, round, brown‑gray lump firmly anchored in the dog’s skin, with a visible dark or clear spot where its mouthparts penetrate. After feeding, the body enlarges, resembling a swollen pea.
How does a tick attached to a dog look? - in detail
A feeding tick on a dog presents as a small, rounded body that becomes increasingly swollen as it fills with blood. In the early stage, the parasite measures about 2–5 mm in length, with a reddish‑brown hue and a smooth, dome‑shaped dorsal surface. The ventral side shows a pair of elongated mouthparts, called chelicerae, which are embedded in the skin and not visible unless the tick is gently lifted.
As engorgement progresses, the tick expands dramatically, reaching up to 10–12 mm in length and a noticeably larger, balloon‑like shape. The coloration shifts to a paler, grayish‑white tone, and the body surface appears stretched and translucent. The legs, eight in total, remain clearly visible around the perimeter, each bearing a short, bristle‑like claw that grips the host’s fur.
The attachment point often appears as a small, raised bump on the dog’s skin. Around the base, a thin, pale ring—known as the “attachment scar”—may be visible, indicating the site where the tick’s hypostome penetrated the tissue. The surrounding fur can be matted or slightly discolored due to the tick’s secretions.
Typical locations on a canine include:
- Between the shoulder blades
- Around the ears and neck
- Inside the armpits
- Near the tail base
- Between the toes
These areas provide a warm, protected environment that facilitates prolonged feeding. The tick’s body remains firmly anchored by its barbed mouthparts, making removal without causing trauma challenging. Recognizing these visual cues enables prompt identification and appropriate intervention.