What does a tick look like on a dog, what are the symptoms and treatment? - briefly
A tick on a dog appears as a small, dark, oval‑shaped parasite that may swell after feeding, often attached near the head, ears, or between toes. Early removal with fine‑point tweezers, followed by a topical acaricide and monitoring for fever, lethargy, or joint pain, constitutes standard treatment.
What does a tick look like on a dog, what are the symptoms and treatment? - in detail
Ticks on canine skin appear as small, rounded bodies ranging from 2 mm to 1 cm, depending on species and feeding stage. Early‑stage (larva) is translucent and barely visible; nymphs are darker, about the size of a pinhead; adult females enlarge to a grape‑like mass when engorged, often dark brown to black with a smooth, dome‑shaped back. Ticks embed their mouthparts into the skin, creating a firm, raised attachment point that may be difficult to see without close inspection.
Common clinical signs include:
- Localized redness or swelling at the attachment site
- A small, raised bump that may bleed if disturbed
- Excessive scratching, licking, or biting of the affected area
- Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite in severe infestations
- Joint pain or lameness, indicating possible transmission of pathogens such as Borrelia or Ehrlichia
Immediate removal reduces the risk of disease transmission. Recommended steps:
- Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the body.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or jerk.
- Disinfect the bite site with a mild antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine).
- Store the extracted tick in a sealed container for identification if illness develops.
If a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours, or if the dog shows systemic symptoms, veterinary evaluation is essential. Treatment may involve:
- Administration of broad‑spectrum antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) for bacterial infections.
- Anti‑inflammatory medication to alleviate joint pain.
- Supportive care such as fluid therapy for fever or dehydration.
- Preventive measures, including monthly topical or oral acaricides, regular grooming, and environmental control (tick‑free zones, lawn treatment).
Regular inspection after walks in wooded or grassy areas, combined with consistent preventive products, markedly reduces the likelihood of tick‑borne disease.