How to treat a dog for a subcutaneous tick? - briefly
Locate the embedded tick, sterilize the skin, and extract it with fine‑pointed tweezers or a tick‑removal hook, pulling straight out without twisting. Clean the site with antiseptic, apply a veterinarian‑approved acaricide, and monitor the dog for any signs of infection or irritation.
How to treat a dog for a subcutaneous tick? - in detail
A subcutaneous tick resides beneath the skin, making removal more complex than with a surface attachment. Prompt, systematic action reduces tissue damage and infection risk.
First, confirm the presence of a buried tick. Look for a small, raised nodule, localized swelling, or a puncture wound with a faint halo. Palpate the area; a firm, movable mass often indicates the parasite’s body.
Second, obtain a veterinary prescription for a topical or oral acaricide effective against embedded stages. Products containing fluralaner, afoxolaner, or sarolaner are commonly recommended. Administer the medication according to the label dosage, adjusting for the dog’s weight.
Third, if the tick is still palpable after systemic treatment, schedule a professional extraction. The veterinarian will:
- Apply a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
- Make a small incision directly over the nodule using sterile scalpel blades.
- Gently tease out the tick with fine forceps, ensuring the entire organism, including the mouthparts, is removed.
- Suture the incision if necessary and apply an antiseptic ointment.
Fourth, monitor the site for signs of secondary infection: redness, heat, pus, or increasing pain. If any appear, begin a course of broad‑spectrum antibiotics prescribed by the veterinarian, typically amoxicillin‑clavulanate or a comparable agent.
Fifth, implement preventive measures to avoid future infestations:
- Apply a monthly spot‑on product containing permethrin or imidacloprid.
- Use a tick‑protective collar with deltamethrin or flumethrin.
- Conduct routine body checks after walks in wooded or grassy areas, paying special attention to ears, neck, and between toes.
- Maintain a clean yard by trimming grass and removing leaf litter where ticks thrive.
Finally, schedule a follow‑up examination within 7–10 days to verify complete healing and confirm that no residual tick tissue remains. Document the event in the pet’s health record for future reference.