How should subcutaneous ticks in dogs be treated, and what medications are used? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine‑pointed forceps, grasping it as close to the skin as possible, then disinfect the bite area. Follow with an effective acaricide—topical permethrin or an oral isoxazoline such as fluralaner or afoxolaner—to eradicate residual parasites and prevent reinfestation.
How should subcutaneous ticks in dogs be treated, and what medications are used? - in detail
Subcutaneous tick infestations in dogs require prompt removal and systemic therapy to eliminate the parasites and prevent secondary infection. The initial step is a thorough physical examination to locate nodules or swellings that contain embedded ticks. Fine‑needle aspiration or small incision may be performed to extract the tick without rupturing its body, which could release toxins. After extraction, the wound should be cleansed with an antiseptic solution and examined for signs of inflammation or abscess formation.
Systemic medication is essential because subcutaneous ticks often remain hidden from topical treatments. The following drug classes are routinely employed:
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Acaricidal oral agents
- Fluralaner (Bravecto) – administered once every 12 weeks; provides rapid kill of attached and migrating ticks.
- Afoxolaner (NexGard) – given monthly; effective against a broad spectrum of tick species.
- Sarolaner (Simparica) – monthly dosing; high efficacy against subcutaneously lodged ticks.
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Macrocyclic lactones
- Ivermectin – off‑label use at low doses can aid in killing internalized ticks; monitor for breed‑specific sensitivity.
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Isoxazolines (combined with above oral products) – enhance tick mortality and reduce the risk of re‑infestation.
Adjunctive therapy may include:
- Broad‑spectrum antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate) if bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected.
- Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (e.g., carprofen) to control pain and swelling.
- Antihistamines or corticosteroids for severe allergic reactions to tick saliva.
Follow‑up examinations should be scheduled within 7–10 days to assess wound healing, confirm tick elimination, and evaluate for any delayed complications such as tick‑borne diseases (e.g., Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease). Preventive measures—regular administration of approved oral acaricides and routine tick checks—are critical to avoid recurrence.