What should you do if you find a tick in a dog? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the bite site, keep the tick for identification, and watch the dog for fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, contacting a veterinarian if any abnormal signs develop.
What should you do if you find a tick in a dog? - in detail
Finding a tick attached to a canine requires prompt, careful action to reduce the risk of disease transmission. First, secure the animal in a calm manner; a leash, harness, or a helper can prevent sudden movements. Use fine‑pointed, non‑slip tweezers or a dedicated tick removal device. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the body. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; twisting or jerking can leave mouthparts embedded, which may cause infection.
After removal, place the specimen in a sealed container with alcohol or a paper bag for identification if needed. Clean the bite site with an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine, then apply a mild antiseptic ointment. Observe the area for swelling, redness, or discharge over the next 48 hours.
Record the date of extraction, the dog's location, and any visible tick stage (larva, nymph, adult). Contact a veterinarian to discuss whether prophylactic treatment or testing for tick‑borne diseases (e.g., Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis) is warranted, especially if the dog shows fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain.
Implement preventive measures: maintain regular use of veterinarian‑approved tick repellents, conduct routine body checks after walks in wooded or grassy areas, and keep the yard trimmed to reduce habitat suitability for ticks. Repeat inspections weekly during peak tick season and after outdoor excursions.