What do ticks look like in a dog’s ears? - briefly
Ticks in a dog’s ear appear as tiny, dark, oval or round parasites attached to the skin, resembling a small brown or black speck. When engorged, they become a raised, firm, slightly larger spot that can be hard to detect without close inspection.
What do ticks look like in a dog’s ears? - in detail
Ticks that embed themselves in a dog’s ear canal present a distinctive appearance that differs from other common ear parasites. Adult specimens measure 3–5 mm when unfed and expand to 5–10 mm after a blood meal. Their bodies are oval, dorsoventrally flattened, and covered with a hard, scutum that gives a smooth, glossy surface. Color ranges from reddish‑brown to dark brown, often darkening after engorgement. Legs are clearly visible, six per side, each ending in small claws that cling to the moist skin of the ear canal.
Nymphal stages are considerably smaller, 1–2 mm in length, with a softer, less sclerotized exoskeleton. They retain the same oval shape but appear lighter in hue, typically pale brown to tan. Larvae are the tiniest, less than 1 mm, translucent to whitish, and rarely seen without magnification.
Typical locations within the ear include:
- The outer ear fold, where ticks can attach to hair and skin folds.
- The entrance of the ear canal, often lodged near the cartilage rim.
- Deeper sections of the canal, especially in dogs with long, floppy ears that create a warm, protected environment.
Visual indicators of an infestation comprise:
- A visible, rounded parasite partially embedded in the ear tissue.
- Localized erythema or swelling surrounding the attachment point.
- A small, dark spot of blood at the feeding site, sometimes surrounded by a crust of dried secretions.
- Excessive ear discharge that may appear brownish or tinged with blood.
- A palpable, firm nodule when the ear is gently examined.
Differentiation from ear mites is essential. Mites are microscopic (≈0.3 mm), translucent, and move rapidly in the ear wax, while ticks are macroscopic, stationary, and attached with a visible mouthpart. The presence of a hard, rounded body with legs distinguishes ticks from other ear inhabitants.
Effective identification relies on close visual inspection, often aided by a bright light or magnifying lens. Early detection prevents secondary infections and reduces the risk of disease transmission.