What does the site of a tick bite look like on a dog? - briefly
A tick bite appears as a small, circular lesion, often reddish or pale, sometimes with a central puncture where the mouthparts were attached. The area may be slightly raised, develop a scab, and show mild inflammation or swelling.
What does the site of a tick bite look like on a dog? - in detail
The attachment point of a tick on a canine typically presents as a localized lesion with several characteristic features. The skin may appear raised or slightly indented, depending on the tick’s feeding stage. A small, dark or reddish‑brown spot often marks the exact site of attachment; this spot can be surrounded by a halo of erythema that ranges from faint pink to vivid red. In many cases, a thin, translucent membrane – the tick’s engorged hypostome – remains visible at the center of the lesion after removal, creating a “central punctum” appearance.
Additional observations include:
- Swelling: mild to moderate edema may develop around the bite, especially if the dog’s immune response is active.
- Exudate: serous or serosanguinous fluid can accumulate, producing a wet, glossy surface.
- Scab formation: as healing progresses, a crust or scab forms over the puncture site, often darkening with time.
- Hair loss: localized alopecia may occur due to irritation or mechanical removal of fur during tick extraction.
- Secondary inflammation: if an infection such as Bartonella or Rickettsia develops, the area can become more inflamed, with increased warmth and possible discharge.
The lesion’s size varies with the tick’s engorgement level; unfed ticks leave a puncture of 1–2 mm, while heavily fed specimens can create lesions up to 5 mm in diameter. Monitoring the site for changes in color, size, or discharge is essential for early detection of complications.