How should a dog be treated against subcutaneous ticks? - briefly
«Subcutaneous ticks» require systemic acaricidal medication, such as oral isoxazoline products given at the labeled dose and repeated after the recommended interval. Regular grooming and environmental control further reduce reinfestation risk.
How should a dog be treated against subcutaneous ticks? - in detail
Subcutaneous ticks embed beneath the dermis, often escaping detection during routine grooming. Their feeding activity can cause local inflammation, secondary bacterial infection, and systemic illness if left untreated.
Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough physical examination, palpation of the skin for firm nodules, and, when necessary, ultrasonographic assessment to locate embedded organisms. Fine‑needle aspiration of suspicious swellings may confirm the presence of tick fragments and associated inflammatory cells.
Immediate therapeutic actions include:
- Gentle incision of the nodule under aseptic conditions to expose and extract the tick.
- Irrigation of the wound with sterile saline solution.
- Application of a topical antiseptic such as chlorhexidine to reduce bacterial colonisation.
Systemic pharmacological management consists of:
- Administration of an approved acaricide (e.g., afoxolaner, fluralaner) at the recommended dosage to eradicate residual parasites.
- Prescription of a broad‑spectrum antibiotic (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate) for 7–10 days when bacterial infection is evident.
- Use of a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (e.g., meloxicam) to control pain and swelling, dosage adjusted for the animal’s weight.
Preventive strategies focus on reducing exposure to «subcutaneous ticks»:
- Continuous‑wear tick collars containing deltamethrin or imidacloprid, replaced according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Monthly spot‑on treatments delivering systemic acaricidal activity.
- Regular inspection of the coat and skin after outdoor activities, especially in wooded or grassy environments.
- Environmental control through yard maintenance, removal of leaf litter, and application of approved acaricides to high‑risk zones.
Follow‑up examinations at two‑week intervals verify wound healing, confirm parasite clearance, and assess any adverse reactions to medication. Documentation of treatment outcomes supports ongoing refinement of control protocols.