What should be done if a tick is under a dog's skin? - briefly
Gently grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine tweezers and pull upward with steady pressure until it releases. Clean the bite site with antiseptic, apply a topical antibiotic, and monitor for signs of infection or irritation over the next few days.
What should be done if a tick is under a dog's skin? - in detail
When a tick embeds itself beneath a dog’s skin, immediate attention is required to prevent infection and disease transmission.
First, locate the tick. Part of the body may appear swollen, reddened, or hairless around the attachment site. Use a bright light and a magnifier if necessary to assess how deep the parasite has penetrated.
If the tick is still attached, follow these steps:
- Sterilize a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal tool with alcohol.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, avoiding the body to prevent crushing.
- Apply steady, gentle traction directly upward; do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Release the tick once it detaches and place it in a sealed container for identification, if needed.
After removal:
- Disinfect the bite area with a veterinarian‑approved antiseptic.
- Observe the site for 24‑48 hours. Redness, swelling, or discharge may indicate retained parts or secondary infection.
- Monitor the dog for systemic signs such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain; these can signal tick‑borne illness.
Seek veterinary assistance if:
- The tick cannot be removed with simple tools.
- Mouthparts remain embedded after extraction.
- The bite is located in a sensitive region (eye, ear canal, mouth).
- Any abnormal clinical signs develop.
Prevention measures reduce the likelihood of embedded ticks:
- Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral acaricide according to the recommended schedule.
- Perform regular full‑body examinations after walks in tick‑infested areas.
- Maintain a tidy yard, trimming grass and removing leaf litter where ticks thrive.
Prompt removal, proper wound care, and vigilant observation together minimize health risks associated with hidden ticks on dogs.