What should you do if a tick is on a dog? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the bite site and watch the dog for signs of infection or illness.
What should you do if a tick is on a dog? - in detail
Finding a tick attached to a dog requires immediate, careful action to minimise disease transmission. Follow these precise steps.
First, gather the necessary tools: fine‑pointed tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal device, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, and a sealed container for the specimen. Wear gloves to avoid direct contact with the parasite’s fluids.
Next, locate the tick’s mouthparts. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the head rather than the body to prevent crushing. Apply steady, downward pressure to pull the parasite straight out. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
After removal, place the tick in the sealed container for identification or future testing. Clean the bite site with antiseptic and wash your hands thoroughly. Observe the area for signs of inflammation, swelling, or infection over the next several days.
Monitor the dog for systemic symptoms such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, lameness, or joint pain. If any of these appear, contact a veterinarian promptly and provide details of the tick’s species and removal date.
Implement preventive measures to reduce future infestations: apply veterinarian‑approved tick collars, spot‑on treatments, or oral preventatives according to the product’s schedule. Regularly inspect the dog’s coat, especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas, and maintain a tidy yard by trimming vegetation and removing debris where ticks thrive.
Document each encounter, noting the date, location, and tick identification. This record assists veterinary professionals in diagnosing tick‑borne illnesses and evaluating the effectiveness of preventative protocols.