How should you treat a subcutaneous tick in a French Bulldog? - briefly
Have the tick surgically removed by a veterinarian, ensuring the whole mouthpart is extracted. Administer a short course of antibiotics and monitor the site for infection or inflammation.
How should you treat a subcutaneous tick in a French Bulldog? - in detail
A buried tick in a French Bulldog requires prompt, careful management to prevent infection and disease transmission.
First, restrain the dog securely. If the animal is anxious or the area is difficult to access, light sedation or a short‑acting anxiolytic may be administered under veterinary guidance.
Locate the tick by gently palpating the skin. Subcutaneous ticks often present as a small, firm nodule, sometimes with a central puncture wound. Use a magnifying lens if necessary.
Prepare sterile instruments: fine‑point curved forceps or a dedicated tick‑removal tool, antiseptic solution (chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine), and clean gauze.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the body. Apply steady, upward traction until the head and mouthparts detach completely. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave fragments embedded.
Inspect the extracted tick. If any mouthparts remain in the tissue, attempt removal with the same forceps. Persistent fragments may require a small incision and suturing by a veterinarian.
Disinfect the puncture site with antiseptic. Apply a light, non‑occlusive dressing if bleeding occurs. Monitor for swelling, redness, or discharge over the next 24–48 hours.
Administer a prophylactic antibiotic (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate) if the bite is inflamed or if the tick is known to carry pathogens. Discuss with the veterinarian the need for doxycycline if the region has a high prevalence of Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis.
Schedule a follow‑up examination within a week to assess wound healing and to conduct serologic testing for tick‑borne diseases, especially if the dog shows fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain.
Maintain regular tick prevention (topical, oral, or collar formulations) year‑round, as French Bulldogs are prone to skin folds where ticks can attach unnoticed.