What should I do if a tick is 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; then disinfect the bite site, wash your hands, and monitor the dog for any signs of illness, contacting a veterinarian if symptoms develop.
What should I do if a tick is found on a dog? - in detail
If a tick attaches to a canine, act without delay. First, locate the parasite by parting the fur and inspecting the skin, especially around the ears, neck, armpits, and between toes. Use a bright light if necessary.
Removal procedure
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body.
- After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed.
- Disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and clean the tools with alcohol before storage.
Post‑removal care
- Observe the wound for swelling, redness, or discharge over the next 48 hours.
- Monitor the dog for signs of illness: fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, lameness, or joint swelling.
- Record any symptoms and the date of removal; provide this information to a veterinarian if abnormalities develop.
When veterinary consultation is required
- The tick is engorged or remains attached after attempted removal.
- The dog exhibits fever, unexplained bruising, or neurological signs.
- The animal belongs to a high‑risk breed or lives in an area endemic for Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or babesiosis.
- The owner is uncertain about the species or cannot identify the tick.
Preventive measures
- Apply a veterinarian‑approved acaricide monthly, such as a spot‑on treatment, collar, or oral medication.
- Conduct weekly full‑body checks after walks in wooded or grassy environments.
- Keep the yard mowed, remove leaf litter, and create a barrier of wood chips or gravel around the house to reduce tick habitat.
- Vaccinate against Lyme disease where it is available and recommended.
Prompt removal, proper wound care, and vigilant observation reduce the risk of pathogen transmission and ensure the dog remains healthy.