What does a blood‑engorged tick on a dog look like? - briefly
A heavily fed tick becomes swollen, taking on a smooth, balloon‑like shape that is noticeably larger than an unfed tick, often gray‑brown or reddish and may appear translucent. The body expands to a size comparable to a small grape, with the head (capitulum) still visible at one end.
What does a blood‑engorged tick on a dog look like? - in detail
A tick that has taken a large blood meal on a canine appears markedly larger than its unfed stage. The body expands to a round or oval shape, often reaching 5–10 mm in length, sometimes even larger in species such as the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis). The dorsal surface becomes smooth and glistening, with the original dark brown or reddish‑brown coloration shifting to a lighter, gray‑ish or tan hue as the cuticle stretches over the ingested blood.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Size increase – length and width may double or triple compared to an unfed tick.
- Shape transformation – the abdomen swells into a balloon‑like dome, while the anterior capitulum (mouthparts) remains visible as a small, protruding structure.
- Color change – cuticle turns from dark, textured tones to a pale, almost translucent shade; some specimens display a faint reddish tint due to the blood within.
- Surface texture – the engorged cuticle becomes smooth and slightly glossy; setae (tiny hairs) are less apparent.
- Attachment point – the tick remains firmly anchored to the dog’s skin, often at the base of the ear, under the collar, or between toes, with the mouthparts embedded in a small, inflamed pit.
The surrounding skin may show localized redness, swelling, or a small ulceration where the hypostome penetrated. If the tick is removed, the empty exoskeleton may remain attached, appearing as a thin, translucent shell that can be mistaken for debris. Recognizing these traits enables prompt identification and removal, reducing the risk of pathogen transmission.