What does a tick in a dog's paw look like? - briefly
A tick on a dog’s paw appears as a small, oval, dark‑brown to reddish parasite, often engorged and attached to the pad’s skin, sometimes partially concealed by hair. The bite site may show a raised, red, inflamed area with a clear entry point at the tick’s rear.
What does a tick in a dog's paw look like? - in detail
A tick attached to a canine’s paw presents as a small, rounded body that expands as it feeds. The organism measures roughly 3–5 mm in the unfed stage and can reach 10 mm or more when engorged. Its dorsal surface is typically brown to reddish‑brown, often with a mottled pattern that blends with the surrounding fur. The ventral side, visible after careful removal, appears cream‑colored and may display a pale, fleshy texture.
Key visual indicators include:
- A firm, dome‑shaped lump embedded in the pad or between the toe pads, often mistaken for a callus.
- A smooth, glossy exterior that contrasts with the rougher skin of the paw.
- A clear line of attachment at the mouthparts, sometimes visible as a tiny, dark scar or puncture.
- Swelling or redness surrounding the attachment site, indicating localized inflammation.
- In later feeding stages, the tick’s body becomes noticeably swollen, resembling a tiny, blood‑filled sac.
Additional details:
- The legs are short and tucked close to the body, making movement difficult to detect.
- The tick’s legs may be visible as tiny, light‑colored hairs protruding from the edges of the body.
- When the tick is partially detached, a small, white‑gray sheath may remain, often confused with debris.
Recognition relies on careful inspection of the paw’s surface, especially after walks in tick‑prone environments. Prompt identification facilitates safe removal and reduces the risk of disease transmission.