What should I do if a tick is found in a dog's ears? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the parasite as close to the ear canal as possible and pull upward with steady pressure, then disinfect the area and observe for redness or swelling; if the tick is embedded, the dog reacts painfully, or any symptoms develop, contact a veterinarian without delay.
What should I do if a tick is found in a dog's ears? - in detail
Discovering a tick lodged in a dog’s ear requires immediate, careful action to prevent infection and disease transmission. Begin by gathering the necessary tools: a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a commercial tick‑removal device, disposable gloves, a clean cloth, antiseptic solution, and a container with a lid for the specimen.
- Prepare the area – Place the dog on a stable surface, secure the head gently, and wear gloves to avoid direct contact with the parasite.
- Expose the ear – Part the fur around the ear canal with a comb or your fingers, being cautious not to press the tick deeper.
- Grasp the tick – Using tweezers, seize the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the head or mouthparts rather than the body to avoid crushing.
- Extract steadily – Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded. If resistance is encountered, reassess the grip and repeat the steady pull.
- Disinfect – After removal, cleanse the bite site with an antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine). Apply a mild topical antibiotic if recommended by a veterinarian.
- Preserve the tick – Place the specimen in a sealed container with alcohol or a damp cotton ball. This enables identification and testing if disease symptoms develop later.
Following removal, observe the dog for at least 24 hours. Watch for signs of irritation, swelling, discharge, or behavioral changes such as lethargy or loss of appetite. If any abnormality appears, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Prevent future infestations by maintaining a regular tick‑control program: administer approved topical or oral acaricides, keep the dog’s environment clean, and inspect ears and fur after outdoor activities. Consistent grooming and ear cleaning reduce the likelihood of ticks embedding in the delicate ear canal.
Document the incident, including date, location, and tick preservation details, to assist veterinary assessment should disease testing become necessary.