How to check for ticks on a dog? - briefly
Thoroughly examine the animal’s coat, concentrating on the ears, neck, underbelly, armpits, and between the toes, feeling for small, rounded bumps; if a tick is found, grasp it with fine‑pointed tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure to remove it completely. Dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol or sealing it in a bag before discarding.
How to check for ticks on a dog? - in detail
Inspecting a canine for ticks requires a systematic approach, appropriate tools, and proper removal technique.
Begin by gathering a fine‑toothed comb, a pair of blunt‑tipped tweezers, disposable gloves, and a disinfectant. Conduct the examination in a well‑lit area where the dog feels secure.
Traverse the animal’s body in the following order: head and ears, neck, under the collar, armpits, groin, tail base, and between the toes. Run the comb through the fur, pulling it taut to expose the skin. Feel for small, firm bumps that may be embedded.
If a tick is found, follow these steps:
- Grasp the parasite as close to the skin as possible with the tweezers.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body.
- After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed.
- Clean the bite site with the disinfectant and wash hands thoroughly.
Inspect the dog daily during peak tick season and after any outdoor activity in wooded or grassy environments. Record the locations and dates of any findings to monitor patterns.
If removal proves difficult, if the tick’s mouthparts remain embedded, or if the dog shows signs of irritation, fever, or lethargy, consult a veterinarian promptly.
Regular preventive measures—monthly topical treatments, oral medications, or tick‑preventive collars—reduce the likelihood of infestation and should be administered according to veterinary recommendations.