What should be done if small ticks are found on a dog? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp each tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight upward with steady pressure; avoid crushing the body. Disinfect the bite site, wash your hands, and watch the dog for fever, lethargy, or skin irritation for several weeks.
What should be done if small ticks are found on a dog? - in detail
When tiny ticks are discovered on a dog, immediate removal is essential to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps:
- Secure the animal – Use a leash or have an assistant hold the dog to prevent sudden movements while you work.
- Inspect the skin – Part the fur with a comb or your fingers, exposing the tick and surrounding area. Look for any additional parasites, especially in folds, ears, and between toes.
- Choose the proper tool – A fine‑pointed tick tweezer, a specialized tick‑removal hook, or a flat‑tip forceps with a narrow gap work best. Avoid using blunt instruments or crushing the tick’s body.
- Grasp close to the mouthparts – Position the tip of the tool as near to the skin as possible, ensuring the tick’s head is not left embedded.
- Apply steady, upward pressure – Pull straight out without twisting. A smooth motion prevents the mouthparts from breaking off inside the skin.
- Disinfect the bite site – Clean the area with an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine. Allow it to air dry before applying a pet‑safe topical antiseptic if desired.
- Dispose of the tick – Place it in a sealed container with alcohol, or wrap it in tape before discarding. Retain the specimen in case identification or testing becomes necessary.
- Monitor the dog – Observe the bite location for signs of inflammation, redness, or swelling over the next 48‑72 hours. Record any abnormal behavior, loss of appetite, fever, or lameness, and contact a veterinarian promptly if these appear.
- Consider preventive measures – Apply a veterinarian‑approved tick collar, spot‑on treatment, or oral medication according to the animal’s weight and health status. Regular grooming and inspection after walks in tick‑infested areas further reduce future encounters.
If the tick is larger than anticipated, appears engorged, or the dog exhibits a rash, joint pain, or unexplained lethargy, seek veterinary evaluation without delay. Early intervention improves outcomes and minimizes the likelihood of tick‑borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or anaplasmosis.