How to treat a dog infested with ticks? - briefly
Remove the ticks using fine‑point tweezers, grasping each close to the skin and pulling straight out, then clean the area with antiseptic. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral acaricide and arrange a follow‑up exam to confirm complete eradication.
How to treat a dog infested with ticks? - in detail
Ticks attached to a dog demand prompt removal and preventive measures to avoid transmission of pathogens.
Examination should focus on typical attachment sites: ears, neck, underbelly, armpits, between the toes, and tail base. A fine‑toothed comb or magnifying glass assists in locating even small specimens.
Removal procedure:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑pointed tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal tool.
- Apply steady, upward pressure; avoid twisting or squeezing the body to prevent rupture.
- Withdraw the tick in one motion.
- Disinfect the bite area with a povidone‑iodine solution or chlorhexidine.
- Dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol or sealing it in a plastic bag before discarding.
After extraction, observe the site for redness, swelling, or discharge over the next 48 hours. If inflammation develops, apply a topical antiseptic and consider a short course of a veterinary‑approved anti‑inflammatory spray.
Preventive acaricide options include:
- Spot‑on formulations such as «Frontline Plus» applied along the spine monthly.
- Oral chewables like «Bravecto» administered every 12 weeks, dosage based on body weight.
- Tick‑repellent collars, for example «Seresto», providing continuous protection for up to eight months.
Environmental control measures:
- Wash bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water weekly.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery, then discard the vacuum bag.
- Treat the yard with a veterinarian‑recommended tick spray, focusing on shaded and humid zones.
- Keep grass trimmed to a maximum of three inches and remove leaf litter.
Veterinary consultation is warranted when:
- More than three ticks are found in a single examination.
- The animal shows signs of fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain.
- Ticks remain attached for longer than 24 hours.
- The dog has a history of tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis.
Implementing systematic removal, appropriate medication, and rigorous environmental management reduces the risk of tick‑borne illness and promotes the dog’s health.