What should you do if a dog has a tick in its eye? - briefly
Use fine, pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the eye surface as possible and pull straight out without crushing it, then rinse the area with sterile saline and apply a mild antiseptic. Contact a veterinarian immediately to assess any damage and receive appropriate treatment.
What should you do if a dog has a tick in its eye? - in detail
When a canine presents a tick attached to the ocular surface, act promptly to prevent irritation, infection, or damage to the cornea.
First, secure the animal. Use a calm voice and a gentle hold; a helper may assist by holding the head steady while the eye is examined. If the dog is anxious, a mild sedative prescribed by a veterinarian can be considered.
Second, assess the situation. Look for signs of redness, tearing, swelling, or the tick’s position (on the eyelid margin, conjunctiva, or directly on the cornea). A magnifying lens and a bright light improve visibility.
Third, gather sterile equipment:
- Fine‑point tweezers or forceps with a smooth grip
- Sterile saline solution
- Antiseptic eye drops (e.g., povidone‑iodine diluted for ocular use)
- Cotton swabs
- Protective gloves
- A clean towel or drape
Fourth, perform removal:
- Flush the eye with sterile saline to clear debris and reduce discomfort.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with the tweezers, avoiding crushing the body.
- Apply steady, gentle traction upward to extract the whole organism in one motion.
- Inspect the attachment site for remaining mouthparts; if any remain, repeat the extraction carefully.
Fifth, disinfect the area. Apply a few drops of ocular antiseptic, then rinse with saline. Avoid ointments unless prescribed, as they may trap residual debris.
Sixth, monitor the dog for at least 24 hours. Watch for persistent redness, swelling, discharge, or signs of pain. If any of these develop, or if the tick could not be removed completely, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Seventh, arrange a veterinary follow‑up. A professional may prescribe topical antibiotics, anti‑inflammatory medication, or systemic treatment for tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis, depending on regional risk factors.
Finally, implement preventive measures: maintain regular tick control using veterinarian‑recommended topical or oral products, check the dog’s coat after outdoor activity, and keep the environment free of tall grass and leaf litter where ticks thrive.