What does the area look like after a tick bite on a dog? - briefly
The bite site usually presents as a tiny, red or pink puncture wound with a surrounding halo of mild inflammation. Occasionally a minute dark spot remains where the tick’s mouthparts are still embedded.
What does the area look like after a tick bite on a dog? - in detail
A tick bite leaves a small, pinpoint puncture where the mouthparts penetrated the skin. Immediately after removal, the site often appears as a raised, red papule surrounded by a faint halo of erythema. The central point may be a tiny, dark dot representing the tick’s feeding cavity. In the hours following the bite, the surrounding tissue can become more inflamed, producing a brighter red, slightly swollen ring that may feel warm to the touch.
If the bite triggers an allergic reaction or secondary infection, additional changes become evident:
- Vesicular or pustular formation: clear or purulent blisters develop on or around the original spot.
- Crusting or scabbing: the lesion dries and forms a darkened crust, which may detach after several days.
- Ulceration: deeper tissue loss creates an open sore that may exude fluid or blood.
- Granulation tissue: a pink, moist granule may appear as the wound begins to heal, often surrounded by a thin rim of scar tissue.
In some cases, a characteristic “target” lesion emerges, consisting of a central dark spot, a surrounding red ring, and an outer pale zone. This pattern suggests a hypersensitivity response to tick saliva.
When multiple ticks bite a single area, the lesions may coalesce, forming a larger, irregularly shaped erythematous zone. The surrounding fur often appears flattened or missing due to grooming or irritation.
Monitoring the bite site for expansion, increasing pain, discharge, or systemic signs such as fever is essential, as these indicate complications that require veterinary intervention.