What should you do if a tick bites a dog? - briefly
Extract the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out with steady pressure. Disinfect the bite site, keep the tick for identification, and monitor the dog for fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
What should you do if a tick bites a dog? - in detail
When a tick attaches to a canine, immediate removal reduces the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps:
- Wear disposable gloves to prevent direct contact with the parasite’s saliva.
- Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal tool; grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine.
- Place the extracted tick in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball. Label with date and location for possible laboratory analysis.
- Monitor the dog for at least 30 days. Record any of the following signs: fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, joint swelling, lameness, or unusual bleeding.
- Contact a veterinarian promptly if symptoms appear, if the tick is difficult to remove, or if the animal is immunocompromised, pregnant, or very young.
- Discuss preventive measures with the veterinarian: monthly topical or oral acaricides, regular grooming checks, and environmental control (keep grass trimmed, remove leaf litter).
After removal, maintain a clean living area. Wash hands thoroughly after handling gloves or the container. Keep a log of tick encounters to aid future prevention strategies.