What should I do if a dog is bitten by a tick? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out; clean the bite site with antiseptic and watch for fever, lethargy, or swelling, contacting a veterinarian if any symptoms appear.
What should I do if a dog is bitten by a tick? - in detail
If a tick attaches to a canine, remove the parasite promptly. Use fine‑point tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal tool; grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and apply steady, upward pressure without twisting. Pull until the mouthparts disengage completely, then discard the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed.
After extraction, cleanse the bite site with a mild antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine. Observe the area for redness, swelling, or discharge over the next 24–48 hours. Record any abnormal behavior—lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or lameness—and note the date of removal for future reference.
Contact a veterinarian without delay if any of the following occur: persistent inflammation, signs of infection, or systemic symptoms. The professional may recommend:
- Blood testing for vector‑borne diseases (e.g., Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis).
- Administration of antibiotics or anti‑inflammatory medication based on test results.
- A follow‑up examination to ensure complete recovery.
Implement preventive strategies to reduce future infestations. Maintain regular grooming and inspect the coat after outdoor activities, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Apply veterinarian‑approved topical or oral tick preventatives according to the recommended schedule. Keep the yard mowed and clear of leaf litter to diminish tick habitat.
«Effective prevention combined with swift removal and veterinary assessment minimizes health risks associated with tick bites in dogs».