What should be done if a tick is inside a dog? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine‑point tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure; disinfect the bite site and monitor the area for redness, swelling, or fever, consulting a veterinarian promptly if any abnormal signs develop.
What should be done if a tick is inside a dog? - in detail
A tick attached to a dog requires prompt and careful removal to prevent disease transmission and tissue damage. First, inspect the animal’s coat, especially around the ears, neck, armpits, and between toes. Use a fine‑pointed tweezer or a specialized tick‑removal tool; avoid fingers, which can crush the body and increase pathogen exposure.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or jerk.
- After extraction, clean the bite site with antiseptic solution.
- Dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol or sealing it in a plastic bag before discarding.
Monitor the wound for signs of infection—redness, swelling, or discharge—and watch the dog for fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain, which may indicate tick‑borne illness. If any abnormal symptoms appear, contact a veterinarian immediately.
A veterinary professional may recommend:
- Administration of prophylactic antibiotics or antiparasitic medication.
- Blood tests to detect early infection.
- Prescription of a tick‑preventive product (topical, oral, or collar) to reduce future infestations.
Regular grooming, habitat control, and routine use of approved tick preventatives form the most effective long‑term strategy.