What should be done with a tick found on a dog? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure until it detaches, then disinfect the bite site and watch the dog for any signs of illness, seeking veterinary advice if removal is difficult or symptoms appear.
What should be done with a tick found on a dog? - in detail
When a tick attaches to a canine, immediate removal is essential to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps precisely:
- Inspect the animal’s coat, especially around the ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes. Use a fine‑toothed comb if necessary.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with a pair of fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Avoid squeezing the body.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container with alcohol for identification, or discard it safely.
- Clean the bite site with an antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine) and monitor for redness or swelling.
- Record the date of removal and the tick’s appearance; note any changes in the dog’s behavior or health over the next few weeks.
Post‑removal care includes:
- Observing the dog for signs of illness such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain. These may indicate tick‑borne infections like Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis.
- Contacting a veterinarian promptly if any abnormal symptoms appear or if the tick could not be removed completely.
- Discussing preventive measures with the vet, such as topical acaricides, oral medication, or regular use of tick collars, to minimize future infestations.
Regular grooming and environmental control—keeping grass trimmed, removing leaf litter, and treating the yard with appropriate acaricides—further reduce exposure. Implementing these practices ensures prompt tick management and protects the animal’s health.