How to treat an ear tick in a dog and what should be used? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick at its base and pull straight out, then disinfect the ear with a veterinary‑approved antiseptic and apply a tick‑preventive product such as a spot‑on or oral medication.
How to treat an ear tick in a dog and what should be used? - in detail
Ear ticks attach to the ear canal and can cause irritation, inflammation, and secondary infections. Immediate removal reduces tissue damage and prevents disease transmission.
First, restrain the dog gently and examine the ear with a bright light. Identify the tick’s location; most are found near the base of the ear flap or within the outer canal. Use a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting that could leave mouthparts embedded. If any part remains, apply a few drops of a veterinary‑approved antiseptic and repeat removal.
After extraction, clean the area thoroughly. Recommended solutions include:
- Diluted chlorhexidine (0.05 %–0.2 %) or povidone‑iodine swabs.
- Sterile saline for rinsing before antiseptic application.
Allow the ear to dry, then monitor for signs of infection such as swelling, discharge, or persistent scratching. If these appear, consult a veterinarian for possible antibiotic or anti‑inflammatory therapy.
Preventive measures:
- Topical acaricides – products containing fipronil, imidacloprid, or selamectin applied monthly to the skin around the ears.
- Collars – slow‑release tick‑preventive collars (e.g., those with deltamethrin) that maintain effective concentrations for up to eight months.
- Oral preventatives – chewable tablets with afoxolaner, fluralaner, or sarolaner, administered according to label dosage.
- Environmental control – regular cleaning of bedding, grooming tools, and living areas; use of insecticide sprays or foggers in heavily infested zones.
When selecting a product, verify that it is labeled for canine ear use, respects the dog’s weight, and is free of ingredients known to cause allergic reactions. Avoid human tick treatments, as they may contain concentrations unsafe for dogs.
Regular ear inspections, at least once a week during tick season, help detect infestations early. Maintaining ear hair trimmed reduces habitat for ticks and simplifies future removals.