How to check for ticks on dogs? - briefly
Inspect the dog’s fur and skin, focusing on the ears, neck, underarms, groin, and between the toes, and run a fine‑toothed comb or fingertips over the coat to feel for small, raised bumps. If a tick is found, grasp it with tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, then disinfect the bite site.
How to check for ticks on dogs? - in detail
Regular examination of a dog for attached arachnids should be part of weekly grooming, especially during warmer months and after outdoor activities. Begin by securing the animal in a calm position; a leash, harness, or a gentle hold on the shoulders prevents sudden movement. Use a fine‑toothed comb or a gloved hand to run through the coat, starting at the head and moving toward the tail. Pay particular attention to common attachment sites: ears, neck, under the collar, armpits, groin, and between the toes.
- Visual inspection: Look for small, rounded bumps ranging from 1 mm to 1 cm. Ticks may appear as dark specks or engorged, reddish bodies.
- Palpation: Gently press along the skin; an attached tick feels firm and may be anchored by its mouthparts.
- Removal preparation: Keep tweezers, a tick removal tool, or fine‑pointed forceps within reach. Disinfect the instrument with alcohol before use.
If a tick is found, grasp it as close to the skin as possible, applying steady, upward pressure to extract the entire organism without crushing its body. After removal, cleanse the bite site with antiseptic and monitor for signs of irritation or infection. Preserve the specimen in a sealed container with alcohol if veterinary identification is required.
Conduct a thorough check after each walk in wooded or grassy areas, and repeat the process at least once a week during peak tick season. Maintaining a clean coat, trimming excessive hair around high‑risk zones, and using veterinarian‑approved repellents reduce the likelihood of infestation. Regular scrutiny and prompt removal are the most effective defenses against tick‑borne diseases in canine patients.