How should you properly examine a dog for ticks? - briefly
Inspect the dog’s coat and skin methodically, parting fur from head to tail and focusing on ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between toes, using a fine‑toothed comb or fingertips to detect attached parasites. Remove any ticks with tweezers, grasping them close to the skin and pulling straight upward.
How should you properly examine a dog for ticks? - in detail
A thorough tick inspection begins the moment the dog returns from outdoor activity. Start by securing the animal in a calm, restrained position—use a leash, harness, or a gentle hold to prevent sudden movements. Run your hands over the coat, feeling for any irregularities; ticks are often felt as small, firm bumps.
Focus on the following regions, which are common attachment sites:
- Head and ears – check the inner surfaces, behind the ears, and the base of the skull.
- Neck – run fingers along the ventral and dorsal sides, paying attention to the hairline.
- Chest and under the front legs – lift each forelimb and examine the armpit area.
- Abdomen and groin – lift the tail gently to expose the perineal region.
- Paws – separate each toe and inspect the pads and between the digits.
- Tail base and hindquarters – press lightly on the skin around the tail root and the anal area.
If the dog has a thick or double coat, part the hair with a comb or a fine-toothed brush to expose the skin. Use a bright, focused light source to improve visibility, especially in low‑light conditions.
When a tick is located, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool. Apply steady, downward pressure to pull the tick straight out, avoiding twisting or crushing the body, which can cause the mouthparts to remain embedded. After removal, disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic solution and place the tick in a sealed container for identification or testing, if required.
Complete the examination by re‑checking all previously inspected zones to ensure no additional parasites were missed. Conduct this routine weekly during peak tick season and after any exposure to grassy, wooded, or brushy environments. Regular grooming and the use of veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives complement the physical inspection, reducing the likelihood of infestation.