What should I do when a tick is found on a dog? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, then disinfect the bite site and wash your hands; observe the dog for signs of illness and contact a veterinarian if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours or if any symptoms develop.
What should I do when a tick is found on a dog? - in detail
If a tick attaches to your dog, act promptly.
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Prepare tools: fine‑tipped tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, and a sealed container for the specimen.
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Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or squeezing the body, which can leave mouthparts embedded and increase pathogen transmission risk.
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After removal, inspect the bite site. Clean the area thoroughly with antiseptic and allow it to dry.
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Preserve the tick in a labeled vial of alcohol or a sealed bag for possible identification and testing, especially if the dog shows signs of illness.
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Record the date, location of the bite, and any observations about the tick’s size or life stage.
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Monitor the dog for at least two weeks. Watch for redness, swelling, fever, loss of appetite, lameness, or behavioral changes. Any abnormal signs warrant immediate veterinary consultation.
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Contact a veterinarian to discuss the incident. The professional may recommend prophylactic treatment, testing for tick‑borne diseases (such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or anaplasmosis), and appropriate medication if infection is suspected.
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Implement preventive measures: apply a veterinarian‑approved tick repellent, maintain regular grooming, keep the yard trimmed, and consider routine tick checks after outdoor activities.
Prompt removal, proper wound care, and vigilant observation reduce the likelihood of disease transmission and support the dog’s health.