What should be done if a Chihuahua is bitten by a tick? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out. Disinfect the bite site, monitor for redness, swelling, or fever, and contact a veterinarian if any symptoms appear.
What should be done if a Chihuahua is bitten by a tick? - in detail
If a tick attaches to a Chihuahua, remove the parasite promptly. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid twisting. After extraction, disinfect the bite site with a mild antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine.
Observe the wound for signs of infection: redness, swelling, discharge, or persistent pain. Record the date of removal and monitor the dog for at least two weeks for systemic symptoms, including fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint discomfort, which may indicate tick‑borne disease.
Consult a veterinarian without delay if any of the following occur: fever, unexplained lameness, loss of coordination, or if the tick could not be removed entirely. The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics, anti‑inflammatory medication, or specific treatment for diseases such as Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis, based on diagnostic testing.
Implement preventive measures to reduce future infestations. Options include:
- Monthly topical or oral acaricides approved for small breeds.
- Regular inspection of the coat after outdoor activities, focusing on the head, neck, and ears.
- Maintaining a tidy yard, removing tall grass and leaf litter where ticks thrive.
- Using tick‑repellent collars designed for small dogs.
Maintain vaccination and routine health checks according to the veterinarian’s schedule to ensure early detection of any tick‑related conditions.