Where are ticks located on dogs? - briefly
Ticks commonly attach to the head, ears, neck, between the shoulder blades, and the groin area of a dog. They also favor warm, moist spots such as under the tail and around the paws.
Where are ticks located on dogs? - in detail
Ticks attach to dogs in areas that provide warmth, moisture, and limited grooming access. The most frequent sites include:
- The head region, especially the ears and the skin behind the ears.
- The neck, particularly the dorsal surface and the area just behind the collar.
- The back of the neck and the top of the shoulders, where hair is dense and the skin is relatively thin.
- The region between the shoulder blades, a common “blind spot” for the dog’s own scratching.
- The armpits (axillary folds) and the inner thighs, which stay moist and are hard for the animal to reach.
- The groin and genital area, offering a protected, humid environment.
- The base of the tail, where hair is thick and the skin is warm.
- The abdomen, especially around the rib cage and the belly folds.
- The paws, particularly the pads and the spaces between toes.
Less typical locations, though still possible, are the eyelids, the inner surface of the ears, and the area under the collar. Ticks may also be found in the oral cavity if a dog has chewed an engorged tick, but this is rare.
These attachment points share characteristics: they are concealed, retain heat, and are difficult for the dog to groom effectively. Regular inspection of these zones, especially after outdoor activity in tick‑infested environments, is essential for early detection and prompt removal.