What should you do when a dog has a tick? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body. Disinfect the bite site, wash your hands, and watch the dog for signs of infection or illness, consulting a veterinarian if any symptoms appear.
What should you do when a dog has a tick? - in detail
When a tick is discovered on a dog, act promptly to minimize disease risk. First, restrain the animal securely but gently to prevent sudden movement. Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool; grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or squeezing the body, which can cause mouthparts to break off and remain embedded.
After extraction, clean the bite site with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine. Inspect the wound for any remaining fragments; if any are visible, repeat the removal process. Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol, sealing it in a plastic bag, or incinerating it to prevent accidental reattachment.
Monitor the dog for at least two weeks following removal. Record the date of extraction and note any symptoms: loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, joint swelling, or unusual behavior. Should any of these signs appear, contact a veterinarian without delay. Provide the vet with the tick, if it has been preserved, to aid in species identification and disease testing.
Prevent future infestations by maintaining a regular tick control regimen. Options include topical acaricides, oral medications, or collar‑based products, applied according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Keep the dog’s environment tidy: mow grass, remove leaf litter, and treat outdoor resting areas with appropriate tick‑killing agents. Regularly inspect the coat, especially after walks in wooded or grassy locations, focusing on the ears, neck, armpits, and tail base.
If the dog lives in an area with high tick prevalence, consider year‑round preventive treatment rather than seasonal application. Consult a veterinary professional to select the most effective product for the dog’s size, age, and health status.