What does a tick look like on a dog's body? - briefly
A tick presents as a small, round or oval, dark brown‑gray bump firmly attached to the skin, often enlarged and engorged after feeding, with a visible back and legs. It may be hidden under thick fur, but the attachment site is typically smooth, slightly raised, and can bleed if the parasite is pulled off incorrectly.
What does a tick look like on a dog's body? - in detail
Ticks that attach to a dog present as small, oval or round bodies that flatten against the skin when unfed. The dorsal surface is smooth, with a dark brown to reddish‑black coloration. In the early stage (larva or nymph) the parasite measures 1–3 mm; adult females can reach 5–10 mm before feeding, while males remain 3–5 mm.
When a tick begins to feed, its abdomen expands dramatically, creating a balloon‑like shape that may appear white, gray, or bluish. The engorged female can swell to the size of a pea or larger, often resembling a small grape. The ventral side shows visible legs—eight in total, arranged in pairs—protruding from the lower edge. The legs are short, pale, and may be difficult to see beneath a fully engorged body.
Mouthparts extend from the front of the body as a pair of hooked chelicerae and a straight barbed hypostome. The hypostome appears as a dark, cone‑shaped structure that anchors the tick into the host’s tissue. In a partially fed tick, the hypostome may be partially exposed, giving the impression of a tiny, dark “spike” at the front.
Texture varies with feeding status. Unfed ticks feel hard and dry to the touch, while engorged specimens become softer and slightly gelatinous. The surrounding skin often shows a small, raised bump or a halo of redness, especially if the tick has been attached for several days. In some cases, a thin, clear waxy coating—known as the “tick cement”—can be observed at the attachment site, forming a smooth border around the parasite.
Key identification points:
- Size: 1–3 mm (larva/nymph), up to 10 mm (engorged adult female).
- Shape: flat and oval when unfed; balloon‑shaped when engorged.
- Color: dark brown to black; abdomen may turn pale or gray when full of blood.
- Legs: eight, short, located near the lower edge; often hidden under the body.
- Mouthparts: visible hooks and a central hypostome at the front.
- Texture: hard and dry (unfed), soft and gelatinous (engorged).
Locating a tick on a dog typically involves thorough inspection of common attachment sites: ears, neck, under the collar, between toes, armpits, and the base of the tail. Close visual examination or gentle palpation can reveal the characteristic oval shape and the distinct legs. Early detection prevents prolonged feeding and reduces the risk of disease transmission.