How is a test for the presence of ticks in a dog performed? - briefly
A veterinarian inspects the dog's coat and skin, removes any attached ticks with fine forceps, then sends the specimens to a laboratory for microscopic identification of species and pathogen testing; alternatively, a rapid in‑clinic PCR swab can detect tick‑borne DNA directly from the animal’s blood.
How is a test for the presence of ticks in a dog performed? - in detail
Detecting ticks on a canine requires a systematic approach that combines visual examination, tactile assessment, and, when necessary, laboratory confirmation.
Begin with a thorough visual sweep of the entire coat. Use a bright light source and a fine-toothed comb to separate hair and expose the skin. Focus on common attachment sites: ears, neck, armpits, groin, tail base, and between the toes. Run the comb from the skin outward, pausing when any engorged or attached arthropod is encountered.
If a specimen is found, isolate it with tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, applying steady upward pressure to extract the whole organism without crushing the body. Place the removed tick in a labeled container with 70 % ethanol for potential laboratory analysis.
After removal, inspect the bite area for residual mouthparts. Clean the site with an antiseptic solution and monitor for erythema or swelling over the next 24‑48 hours. Record the date, anatomical location, and tick species if identifiable.
When visual inspection yields no ticks but exposure risk remains high, consider a skin scrape or biopsy from suspicious lesions. Submit the sample for PCR testing to detect tick-borne pathogen DNA, or for serologic assays that identify antibodies against common agents such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, or Ehrlichia canis.
Maintain a log of all examinations, including:
- Date and time of inspection
- Owner‑reported exposure history
- Areas examined
- Findings (tick count, species, attachment status)
- Interventions performed (removal, antiseptic application, sample submission)
Regular monthly checks, especially after outdoor activities in endemic regions, reduce the likelihood of unnoticed infestations and facilitate early treatment of tick‑borne diseases.