What to do if a dog has ticks? - briefly
Use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure, then disinfect the bite site and monitor for irritation, seeking veterinary advice for treatment and preventive measures.
What to do if a dog has ticks? - in detail
A dog found with ticks requires immediate removal, thorough inspection, and appropriate treatment to prevent disease transmission.
First, secure the animal with a calm restraint or a helper to keep it still. 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 leave mouthparts embedded. After extraction, cleanse the bite site with antiseptic solution and wash hands thoroughly.
Next, assess the dog for additional ticks. Conduct a systematic skin examination, moving from head to tail, paying special attention to the ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between toes. Record the number, location, and size of any remaining parasites.
If any ticks are removed, monitor the dog for signs of illness for at least 30 days. Look for fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, joint swelling, or abnormal bleeding. Should any of these symptoms appear, contact a veterinarian promptly for diagnostic testing and possible treatment.
Administer a veterinarian‑approved acaricide or tick preventive product according to the label instructions. Options include spot‑on treatments, oral medications, collars, or shampoos. Verify dosage based on the dog’s weight and health status; consult a professional if the animal is pregnant, nursing, or has existing medical conditions.
Finally, implement environmental control. Treat the home’s interior with a suitable insecticide, vacuum carpets and upholstery, and wash the dog’s bedding in hot water. Maintain the yard by trimming grass, removing leaf litter, and applying a targeted tick control spray to shaded areas where ticks thrive.
Following these steps reduces the risk of tick‑borne diseases and promotes the dog’s overall health.