What are signs that a dog has been bitten by a tick? - briefly
Small, dark, engorged nodules attached to the skin—commonly near the ears, head, neck, or between the toes—indicate a recent tick attachment. Redness, swelling, hair loss, excessive scratching, lethargy, fever, or unexplained weight loss are further warning signs.
What are signs that a dog has been bitten by a tick? - in detail
A tick attachment often leaves visible clues on a dog’s body. The most immediate indicator is a small, raised bump where the arthropod has embedded its mouthparts. This lesion may appear as a dark, pinhead-sized spot that can swell to the size of a pea if the tick remains attached for several days.
Other observable signs include:
- Skin irritation – redness, inflammation, or a scabbed area surrounding the attachment site.
- Hair loss – a circular patch of missing fur around the bite, sometimes accompanied by a rough texture.
- Excessive scratching or licking – localized to the area of the bite, indicating discomfort or itching.
- Bleeding or a dark crust – the tick’s feeding may cause a small amount of blood or a scab that looks like a tiny black dot.
- Swollen lymph nodes – often felt near the neck, shoulders, or groin, reflecting an immune response.
- Fever or lethargy – a rise in body temperature or reduced activity levels may develop if disease agents are transmitted.
- Joint pain or limping – especially in cases of Lyme disease, where inflammation can affect the musculoskeletal system.
- Changes in appetite – reduced eating may accompany systemic illness.
A thorough physical examination should include a careful search of common attachment sites: ears, head, neck, under the collar, between the toes, and in the armpits. Use a fine‑toothed comb or a tick removal tool to locate and extract any embedded parasites. After removal, clean the area with antiseptic and monitor for the progression of symptoms. If swelling, fever, or joint discomfort persists beyond 24–48 hours, veterinary evaluation is warranted to rule out tick‑borne infections.