What to do if a dog has picked up ticks? - briefly
Remove the ticks using fine‑pointed tweezers, grasping each one as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out, then disinfect the bite site and watch for signs of illness. Contact a veterinarian promptly for a full examination and appropriate preventative medication.
What to do if a dog has picked up ticks? - in detail
When a dog acquires ticks, immediate and thorough action reduces the risk of disease transmission.
First, locate each parasite. Use a fine‑toothed comb or your fingers, pulling the skin taut to expose the tick’s body. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal tool. Apply steady, downward pressure without twisting; the goal is to extract the entire mouthpart. After removal, clean the bite area with antiseptic solution and wash your hands.
Second, preserve the extracted tick for identification. Place it in a sealed container with a damp cotton swab, label with date and location, and store at refrigeration temperature. This aids veterinarians in diagnosing potential infections.
Third, observe the dog for signs of illness over the next 30 days. Typical indicators include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, joint swelling, or unusual bruising. Record any symptoms and report them promptly to a veterinarian.
Fourth, schedule a veterinary examination. The clinician may recommend prophylactic medication, such as doxycycline, especially if the region has a high incidence of tick‑borne diseases. Blood tests can detect early infection even before clinical signs appear.
Fifth, implement preventive measures to avoid future infestations:
- Apply an EPA‑approved topical or oral acaricide according to the product’s schedule.
- Conduct daily tick checks after walks in wooded or grassy areas.
- Maintain the yard by trimming tall grass, removing leaf litter, and using environmental tick control products where appropriate.
- Use a tick‑preventive collar if recommended for the dog’s size and breed.
Finally, keep a log of all preventive treatments, tick encounters, and veterinary visits. Consistent documentation supports timely intervention and enhances the dog’s overall health management.