How to properly examine a dog for ticks?

How to properly examine a dog for ticks? - briefly

Inspect the entire coat, parting the hair from head to tail and focusing on ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between toes; use a flashlight if needed to see skin. If a tick is found, grasp it with fine‑pointed tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out without crushing the body.

How to properly examine a dog for ticks? - in detail

Inspecting a dog for ticks requires a systematic approach that minimizes the chance of missing attached parasites. Begin by selecting a well‑lit, calm environment where the animal can be safely restrained, either with a leash or by having an assistant hold the dog gently but firmly.

1. Preparation

   • Wear disposable gloves to protect skin from potential pathogens.
   • Have a fine‑toothed comb, a flashlight, and a pair of tweezers or a tick removal tool within reach.
   • Keep a container with alcohol or a sealable bag ready for any removed specimens.

2. Full‑body examination

   • Start at the head and work toward the tail, feeling the coat with the fingertips.
   • Pay special attention to common attachment sites: ears, inner ears, neck, under the collar, armpits, groin, between the toes, and the base of the tail.
   • Use the flashlight to illuminate dense fur and examine the skin surface for small, dark specks or raised bumps.

3. Detection technique

   • Run the comb through the hair, especially in the areas mentioned above, to dislodge hidden ticks.
   • When a tick is felt, isolate it by gently parting the surrounding fur.
   • Confirm identification by noting the size, shape, and whether the mouthparts are embedded.

4. Removal procedure

   • Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers, avoiding crushing the body.
   • Apply steady, upward pressure to extract the entire organism without twisting.
   • Place the tick in the prepared container for identification or disposal.
   • Disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic solution and wash hands thoroughly after glove removal.

5. Post‑inspection care

   • Record the date, location, and number of ticks found for future reference.
   • Monitor the bite area over the next several days for signs of irritation, infection, or disease transmission.
   • Consult a veterinarian promptly if the dog shows lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, or any unusual behavior.

Regular weekly inspections during tick‑active seasons, combined with preventive treatments prescribed by a veterinarian, reduce the risk of tick‑borne illnesses and protect the animal’s health.