What does an engorged tick look like on a dog? - briefly
«An engorged tick appears as a markedly enlarged, balloon‑like parasite, its body expanding several times the size of an unfed tick and taking on a reddish‑brown or gray, glossy appearance. It is visible as a raised, dome‑shaped lump on the dog’s skin, often partially concealed by fur, and can be distinguished by its increased girth and translucent look.»
What does an engorged tick look like on a dog? - in detail
An engorged tick on a canine presents distinct visual characteristics that differentiate it from an unfed specimen.
The body expands dramatically, often reaching a size comparable to a small grape or a pea. The abdomen becomes round and balloon‑like, while the anterior part (the capitulum) remains relatively unchanged. The overall shape shifts from a flat, oval profile to a swollen, dome‑shaped silhouette.
Coloration changes as the tick fills with blood. A freshly fed tick may appear deep red or dark brown, sometimes with a glossy sheen. As digestion progresses, the hue can fade to a lighter brown or tan, but the engorged form remains noticeably larger than the surrounding hair.
Texture varies across the surface. The dorsal shield (scutum) stays hardened and may feel rough, whereas the ventral side becomes soft and pliable due to the internal meal. When pressed gently, the abdomen yields slightly, indicating a full blood meal.
Typical locations on a dog include:
- Around the ears, especially the inner surface
- In the neck region, near the base of the skull
- Under the armpits (axillary area)
- Between the toes and on the pads
- Around the tail base
These sites provide a warm, protected environment that facilitates feeding.
Additional visual cues of a recent blood meal:
- A clear seam or line where the tick’s body widens
- A visible, sometimes translucent, blood-filled cavity near the rear
- Slight discoloration of surrounding skin due to irritation or mild inflammation
Recognizing these features enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of disease transmission.