How to treat subcutaneous ticks in puppies? - briefly
Locate the embedded tick by palpating the skin, make a small incision to expose it, and remove it with fine forceps without crushing the parasite. Follow with a veterinarian‑prescribed antiparasitic medication and schedule a check‑up to prevent infection and monitor recovery.
How to treat subcutaneous ticks in puppies? - in detail
Subcutaneous tick infestations in young dogs require prompt identification, safe extraction, pharmacological intervention, and preventive measures.
First, confirm the presence of ticks beneath the skin. Palpate the area for firm, raised nodules, often accompanied by localized swelling. Use a high‑resolution ultrasound or fine‑needle aspiration if the lesion is not visible externally.
Second, remove the parasites. Apply a local anesthetic (e.g., 2 % lidocaine) to the site, then make a small incision with a sterile scalpel. Extract the tick with fine forceps, ensuring the entire body, including mouthparts, is removed. Irrigate the wound with sterile saline and apply a topical antiseptic.
Third, administer systemic therapy. Choose an acaricide approved for puppies, such as a dose of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) or a milbemycin oxime formulation, following the manufacturer’s age and weight guidelines. If bacterial infection is suspected, prescribe a short course of a broad‑spectrum antibiotic (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate, 20 mg/kg BID for 5‑7 days).
Fourth, manage inflammation and pain. Provide a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (e.g., carprofen, 4 mg/kg once daily) for 3‑5 days, monitoring for gastrointestinal side effects.
Fifth, schedule follow‑up. Re‑examine the site after 48 hours to verify complete healing and absence of residual tick fragments. Perform a complete blood count and serum chemistry at the end of treatment to detect any subclinical organ impact.
Finally, implement preventive strategies. Maintain a regular tick‑control regimen using a topical or oral product (e.g., fluralaner, afoxolaner) applied according to label intervals. Keep the environment free of tall grass and leaf litter, and treat the household’s bedding and carpets with an appropriate acaricide.
These steps collectively eliminate the current infestation, reduce the risk of secondary disease, and protect the animal from future subcutaneous tick exposure.