What does a tick look like on a dog's head? - briefly
A tick on a dog's head looks like a tiny, round, dark brown or black lump, similar to a small seed, with its mouthparts sunk into the skin. After feeding it may expand, turn reddish, and cause the surrounding hair to appear flattened or absent.
What does a tick look like on a dog's head? - in detail
A tick attached to a canine’s head presents as a small, oval‑shaped parasite that becomes increasingly swollen as it feeds. In its unfed state, the body measures roughly 2–5 mm in length, is flat, and displays a reddish‑brown hue. The legs are visible, extending from the anterior edge, and the mouthparts appear as a tiny, dark protrusion.
When the tick begins to engorge, its abdomen expands dramatically, often reaching 10 mm or more. The body changes from flat to spherical, the coloration darkens to a deep gray or black, and the legs may become less distinct. The attachment site on the head is typically near the ears, around the muzzle, or on the neck, where the skin is thinner and easier to penetrate.
Key visual indicators:
- Size: 2–5 mm (unfed); up to 10 mm or larger (engorged)
- Shape: flat and oval → round and balloon‑like after feeding
- Color: light reddish‑brown → dark gray/black
- Legs: clearly visible in early stage; may be obscured later
- Mouthparts: a small, dark projection embedded in the skin
The surrounding skin may show a tiny puncture wound, slight redness, or a small scab if the tick has been removed. Absence of movement and a firmly attached, engorged body are strong signs that the parasite is feeding. Recognizing these characteristics enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of disease transmission.