How to identify a tick on a dog? - briefly
Inspect the dog’s coat for small, oval, dark‑colored parasites attached to the skin, especially around the ears, neck, and between the toes. The tick’s body is darker than the surrounding fur and its legs are visible around the edges.
How to identify a tick on a dog? - in detail
Ticks on a canine appear as small, oval bodies that attach firmly to the skin. The abdomen swells after feeding, creating a rounded, balloon‑like shape. Color ranges from dark brown to gray, sometimes with a pale, creamy‑colored underside. Unlike fleas, which are flat and jump, ticks remain stationary and are often found in clusters of two or more.
Typical attachment sites include the ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between the toes. Hair in these areas may appear matted or broken near the parasite. The head, or capitulum, inserts into the skin and may be visible as a small, pointed projection at the base of the engorged body.
Key identifying features:
- Body shape: oval when unfed, spherical when engorged.
- Size: 2–5 mm unfed; up to 20 mm after a blood meal.
- Color: dark brown to gray; lighter ventral surface.
- Attachment: capitulum embedded in skin, often with a tiny opening.
- Location: ears, neck, underbelly, tail base, between toes.
Effective inspection procedure:
- Secure the dog in a calm position, using a leash or a helper if necessary.
- Part the hair with fingers or a fine‑tooth comb, exposing the skin.
- Examine each high‑risk area under bright light, using a magnifying glass if available.
- Look for the characteristic rounded body and the embedded head.
- If a tick is found, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with fine‑pointed tweezers, pulling straight upward with steady pressure.
After removal, clean the bite site with antiseptic and monitor the area for redness or swelling over the next several days. Record the date of removal and the tick’s developmental stage (larva, nymph, adult) for veterinary reference. Regular grooming and routine checks reduce the likelihood of unnoticed infestations.