What should you do if a tick is stuck under a dog's skin? - briefly
Grasp the tick with fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or crushing the body. Disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic and monitor the area for signs of infection.
What should you do if a tick is stuck under a dog's skin? - in detail
When a tick has penetrated the dermis of a dog, immediate and careful removal is essential to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
First, locate the parasite. Part the fur around the attachment site and examine the skin for a small, raised area or a visible tick body. If only the mouthparts are visible, the tick is still embedded.
Next, gather the required tools: fine‑pointed tweezers or a commercial tick‑removal device, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, and a clean container with a lid. Wear gloves to prevent direct contact with the tick’s saliva.
Removal procedure:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the head or mouthparts without squeezing the body.
- Apply steady, gentle traction upward. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the tissue.
- If resistance is encountered, maintain firm pressure; the tick will release when the attachment is broken.
- Place the extracted tick in the sealed container for identification or disposal.
After extraction, cleanse the bite area with antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection: redness, swelling, or discharge. Record the date of removal and the tick’s appearance; this information assists a veterinarian if symptoms develop.
Seek professional veterinary care if:
- The tick’s head remains embedded after attempted removal.
- The bite site shows persistent inflammation or ulceration.
- The dog exhibits lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, or lameness within weeks of removal.
- The tick is identified as a species known to transmit serious pathogens (e.g., Ixodes spp., Dermacentor spp.).
Preventive measures include regular use of veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives, routine inspection after outdoor activity, and maintaining a tidy yard to reduce tick habitat. Consistent prevention lowers the likelihood of future embedments.