Ixodid ticks: what to do if they bite a dog? - briefly
Remove the tick promptly with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out; then disinfect the site and watch the dog for any abnormal signs. If the attachment lasted over a day or symptoms such as fever, lethargy, or joint swelling develop, seek veterinary care without delay.
Ixodid ticks: what to do if they bite a dog? - in detail
Hard ticks that attach to a dog can transmit pathogens within hours. Immediate removal reduces the chance of disease transmission and minimizes tissue damage.
First, locate the tick. Use a fine‑pointed tweezer or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grasp the parasite as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the body. Pull upward with steady, even pressure until the mouthparts detach. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave fragments embedded.
After extraction, clean the bite site with an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine. Apply a mild topical antibiotic to prevent secondary infection. Dispose of the tick by placing it in a sealed container with alcohol; this allows later identification if illness develops.
Observe the dog for at least two weeks. Record any of the following signs:
- Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite
- Lameness or joint swelling
- Redness, swelling, or ulceration at the bite site
- Unusual behavior or neurological symptoms
If any symptom appears, contact a veterinarian promptly. Blood tests may be required to detect tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or anaplasmosis. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics improves prognosis.
Preventive measures include:
- Monthly administration of approved tick‑preventive medications.
- Regular grooming and inspection of the coat, especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas.
- Use of environmental controls like acaricide sprays in the yard and removal of leaf litter.
Consistent application of these practices lowers the risk of tick attachment and associated health problems.