What does a tick look like under the skin of a dog? - briefly
Under the dog’s skin, a feeding tick presents as a small, rounded, grayish bump anchored by its mouthparts, often showing a tiny dark dot at the center. The surrounding tissue may be mildly reddened or inflamed, while the tick itself remains firm and immobile.
What does a tick look like under the skin of a dog? - in detail
A tick that has penetrated a dog’s dermis presents as a compact, oval mass attached to the skin surface. The anterior portion, called the capitulum, contains the hypostome—a barbed, spear‑like structure that anchors the parasite. This region is often darker than the rest of the body and may appear as a tiny, pin‑prick point where the tick’s mouthparts emerge from the skin.
The body, or idiosoma, lies beneath the skin and is covered by a semi‑transparent cuticle. In its unfed state, the idiosoma measures 2–5 mm in length, is pale beige to light brown, and has a smooth, dome‑shaped outline. As the tick feeds, its abdomen expands dramatically, becoming rounder and more translucent, sometimes reaching 10–15 mm in length. The engorged form may appear bluish‑gray or reddish, depending on the species and the amount of blood ingested.
Key visual characteristics beneath the skin include:
- Capitulum visibility: a small, dark protrusion at the attachment site, often surrounded by a slight erythema.
- Engorgement level: a gradual increase in bulk, producing a raised, firm nodule that can be palpated.
- Cuticular sheen: a glossy surface that may reflect light, distinguishing the tick from surrounding tissue.
- Leg positioning: legs are typically retracted and not visible; only the attachment point is apparent.
The surrounding tissue may show a thin rim of inflammation, but the tick itself remains intact, with the hypostome embedded firmly in the host’s epidermis and dermis. Removal should target the mouthparts, ensuring the entire organism is extracted to avoid residual fragments that could provoke continued irritation.