What to do if a dog is infected with ticks? - briefly
Carefully detach all attached ticks with fine‑tipped tweezers, disinfect the bite sites, and contact a veterinarian for antiparasitic treatment and monitoring for tick‑borne diseases. Administer prescribed medication promptly and maintain a regular tick‑prevention program.
What to do if a dog is infected with ticks? - in detail
If a canine host acquires ticks, immediate action reduces the risk of disease transmission and minimizes skin irritation.
First, locate each parasite. Ticks embed their mouthparts in the skin; gentle pressure with a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool separates the head without crushing the body. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady, even force, and avoid twisting.
Second, disinfect the bite site. Apply a mild antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine solution) to the wound to prevent secondary infection.
Third, preserve the removed tick for diagnostic purposes. Place the specimen in a sealed container with alcohol or a damp cotton ball, label with date and location, and present it to a veterinary professional.
Fourth, monitor the dog for clinical signs of tick‑borne illnesses. Key indicators include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, joint swelling, lameness, or abnormal bleeding. Record any symptoms and report them promptly to a veterinarian.
Fifth, schedule a veterinary examination. The clinician may recommend laboratory testing (e.g., PCR, serology) to detect pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia spp., or Anaplasma spp. If infection is confirmed, initiate the appropriate antimicrobial or supportive therapy according to current guidelines.
Sixth, implement preventive measures. Use veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives (topical, oral, or collar formulations) year‑round, maintain regular grooming to detect early infestations, and keep the environment free of tall grass and leaf litter where ticks thrive.
Regularly review the effectiveness of preventive products, adjusting the regimen as needed based on regional tick activity and the dog’s health status.