What should be done if ticks are on a dog's body? - briefly
Carefully grasp each tick with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pull straight upward with steady pressure, then disinfect the bite site and wash your hands. Monitor the dog for signs of infection or illness and contact a veterinarian promptly for further evaluation.
What should be done if ticks are on a dog's body? - in detail
Ticks attached to a dog require prompt, careful removal to prevent disease transmission. First, inspect the animal’s coat, focusing on ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between toes. Use a fine‑pointed tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal tool; grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding crushing the body. Apply steady, upward pressure until the head and body separate from the skin. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container with alcohol for identification if needed, then discard safely. Clean the bite site with mild antiseptic solution or soap and water. Observe the area for signs of inflammation, swelling, or infection over the next 24‑48 hours.
Administer a veterinarian‑recommended tick preventative product (topical, oral, or collar) to reduce future infestations. Schedule a veterinary examination if the dog shows fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain, as these may indicate tick‑borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or anaplasmosis. The veterinarian may prescribe diagnostic tests and appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Maintain regular grooming and environmental control: trim vegetation around the yard, keep grass short, and treat outdoor areas with approved acaricides when appropriate. Repeat inspections after walks in wooded or grassy areas, especially during peak tick season, to ensure early detection and removal.