What should you do if a tick has entered a dog's ear? - briefly
Remove the tick using fine‑pointed tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out without twisting, then clean the ear with a mild antiseptic solution. Monitor the area for swelling or discharge and seek veterinary assistance if removal is difficult or the dog shows signs of irritation.
What should you do if a tick has entered a dog's ear? - in detail
A tick that becomes embedded in a dog’s ear canal requires immediate, careful removal to prevent infection, inflammation, and disease transmission.
First, restrain the animal safely. Use a muzzle or have an assistant hold the dog while you work. Inspect the ear with a bright light to locate the parasite. If the tick is partially visible, grasp it with fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or squeezing the body, which can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded.
If the tick is deep within the canal and not reachable, do not attempt blind digging. Apply a few drops of a veterinary‑approved ear cleanser to soften the surrounding tissue, then gently massage the base of the ear to coax the tick toward the opening. If it still cannot be extracted, seek veterinary assistance promptly.
After removal, place the tick in a sealed container with isopropyl alcohol for identification and possible testing. Clean the ear canal thoroughly with a veterinarian‑recommended ear solution to eliminate residual saliva and debris. Pat the area dry with a clean gauze pad.
Monitor the dog for signs of irritation, swelling, or secondary infection over the next 24‑48 hours. Look for discharge, redness, or persistent scratching. If any of these symptoms appear, or if the dog shows lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite, contact a veterinarian without delay.
Preventive measures include regular tick checks after outdoor activities, maintaining a clean environment, and using approved tick‑preventive products year‑round. Routine ear examinations help detect early infestations before they become problematic.