What should be done if a dog has a tick on its head? - briefly
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑pointed tweezers and pull upward with steady, even pressure; then disinfect the site and monitor for redness or irritation. If removal is difficult or symptoms appear, consult a veterinarian without delay.
What should be done if a dog has a tick on its head? - in detail
When a canine presents a tick attached to its scalp, act promptly to prevent disease transmission. First, restrain the animal securely but gently to avoid stress and injury. Use a leash, muzzle, or assistance from another person if necessary.
Prepare the following items before attempting removal: fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, clean gauze, and a sealed container for the specimen. Disinfect your hands and the area around the tick with the antiseptic.
Removal procedure:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with the tweezers, avoiding compression of the body.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist, jerk, or squeeze the tick.
- Continue until the mouthparts detach completely.
- Place the tick in the sealed container, label with date and location, and store for potential testing.
- Clean the bite site with antiseptic and apply a small amount of gauze if bleeding occurs.
After extraction, monitor the wound for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge. Observe the dog for systemic symptoms—fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain—for at least two weeks. If any abnormal signs appear, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Document the incident, including the tick’s appearance and the date of removal, to aid future veterinary assessment. Regularly inspect the animal’s coat, especially after outdoor activities in tick‑infested areas, and consider preventive measures such as topical repellents or collars as advised by a professional.