How should a dog be checked for ticks? - briefly
Run your hands and a fine‑toothed comb over the whole coat, focusing on ears, armpits, groin and between the toes to feel for small, engorged bumps. If a tick is found, grasp it with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out, then clean the site.
How should a dog be checked for ticks? - in detail
Regular inspection for attached arachnids is essential for canine health, especially during warm months and after outdoor activities. Perform the examination when the dog is calm, preferably after a walk or before a bath, to reduce stress and improve visibility.
- Prepare – Wear disposable gloves, have a fine‑toothed comb, a flashlight, and a pair of tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool within reach. Keep a container with alcohol or a sealed bag for disposal.
- Systematic visual scan – Starting at the head, run fingers through the fur, feeling for small, hard bumps. Pay particular attention to:
- ears, inner ear flaps, and base of the skull
- neck, especially the ventral side
- under the collar and around the harness area
- armpits, groin, and between the toes
- belly, tail base, and around the genital region
- dorsal midline and the area around the ribs
- Use a flashlight – Shine light at a low angle to create shadows that reveal attached parasites. The tick’s body appears as a dark, oval shape; its legs may be visible as tiny protrusions.
- Remove detected ticks – Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers, avoiding squeezing the body. Pull upward with steady, even pressure until the head detaches. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Disinfect – Clean the bite site with antiseptic solution. Place the removed tick in alcohol for identification or safe disposal.
- Record – Note the date, attachment site, and tick size. This information assists veterinarians in assessing disease risk.
- Repeat – Conduct a full-body check at least once daily during peak tick season and after any exposure to wooded or grassy environments.
Consistent, thorough examinations reduce the likelihood of tick‑borne illnesses and allow prompt treatment if an attachment is found.