Large tick on a dog, what to do? - briefly
Grasp the engorged tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers and pull upward with steady, even pressure; then disinfect the bite site and wash your hands. Monitor the area for redness or swelling and contact a veterinarian if the tick was large, removal was problematic, or the dog shows any signs of illness.
Large tick on a dog, what to do? - in detail
A large engorged tick attached to a dog requires immediate removal to reduce the chance of disease transmission. The parasite can carry bacteria, protozoa, and viruses that may enter the bloodstream within hours of attachment.
Prepare a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, and a small container with a lid. Do not crush the tick’s body; keep the instrument clean throughout the procedure.
Removal steps
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the head or mouthparts, not the abdomen.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Once the tick detaches, place it in the sealed container for identification if needed.
- Clean the bite site with antiseptic and wash your hands thoroughly.
After extraction, observe the wound for a few days. If redness, swelling, or discharge develops, contact a veterinarian promptly. A veterinary examination is also advisable if the dog shows lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, or signs of joint pain, as these may indicate tick‑borne disease.
To prevent future infestations, maintain a regular schedule of veterinary‑approved tick preventatives, inspect the coat after outdoor activities, and keep the yard free of tall grass and leaf litter where ticks thrive.