What should you 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 and wash your hands. Monitor the dog for several weeks for fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite and contact a veterinarian if any symptoms develop.
What should you do if a tick is found on a dog? - in detail
When a canine host is discovered with a tick, immediate action reduces the risk of disease transmission and minimizes skin irritation. Follow these steps in order:
- Prepare the tools – Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, and a clean container with a lid for the specimen.
- Secure the animal – Gently restrain the dog to prevent sudden movements that could cause the tick to break apart.
- Locate the tick – Part the fur around the attachment site, exposing the head and mouthparts embedded in the skin.
- Grasp the tick – Position the tweezers as close to the skin as possible, holding the tick’s head or the tick‑removal tool’s tip around the mouthparts.
- Apply steady pressure – Pull upward with a smooth, constant force. Avoid twisting, jerking, or squeezing the body, which can expel infectious fluids.
- Inspect the removed tick – Verify that the mouthparts are intact; a broken mouthpiece left in the skin may require veterinary extraction.
- Disinfect the bite site – Clean the area with antiseptic solution to prevent secondary infection.
- Dispose of the tick – Place the specimen in the sealed container, then submerge in alcohol or discard in a sealed bag; do not crush it.
- Monitor the dog – Observe the bite area for redness, swelling, or signs of infection over the next 24–48 hours. Record the date of removal for future reference.
- Consult a veterinarian – If the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, if the dog shows fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or if the species is known to carry Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or other pathogens, seek professional evaluation promptly.
Regular preventive measures—monthly tick preventatives, routine grooming, and environmental control—further reduce the likelihood of future infestations.