What does a tick on a dog look like? - briefly
A tick presents as a small, round or oval, dark brown to grayish lump firmly attached to the dog’s skin, often expanding to several millimeters after feeding. The engorged body appears smooth and may be partially concealed by surrounding fur.
What does a tick on a dog look like? - in detail
Ticks found on dogs vary in size, shape, and coloration depending on their developmental stage and feeding status. An unfed adult typically measures 3–5 mm in length, 2–3 mm in width, and appears flat, oval, and dark brown to reddish‑brown. When engorged after several days of feeding, the body expands to 10–12 mm or more, becomes balloon‑shaped, and turns grayish‑white or pale pink, often taking on a smooth, glossy surface.
The life‑cycle stages present distinct visual traits:
- Larva (seed tick): Approximately 0.5 mm, translucent, and almost invisible without magnification.
- Nymph: 1–2 mm, reddish‑brown, still relatively flat, harder to detect than adults.
- Adult (unfed): Flat, dark, clearly defined legs and a scutum (hard shield) covering the dorsal surface.
- Adult (engorged): Swollen, soft, color lightening, legs visible along the sides, scutum remains but appears stretched.
Attachment points on a dog are commonly the head, ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between toes. The tick inserts its hypostome—a barbed feeding tube—into the skin, creating a small, pin‑point puncture that may not bleed. The mouthparts are visible as a tiny dark spot at the center of the tick’s back when viewed from above.
Key visual indicators for owners and veterinarians:
- Size change: Rapid expansion over 24–48 hours signals a feeding tick.
- Color shift: From dark brown to pale gray indicates engorgement.
- Shape: Transition from flat to rounded, balloon‑like abdomen.
- Leg positioning: Legs spread outward in an engorged specimen, whereas unfed ticks keep legs close to the body.
- Movement: Ticks are slow, often remaining motionless for hours; a sudden twitch may occur when disturbed.
Recognizing these characteristics enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of disease transmission.