Where can ticks be on dogs? - briefly
Ticks commonly attach to warm, sheltered areas such as the ears, head, neck, between the shoulder blades, under the forelimb armpits, around the tail base, groin, and between the toes. Regular inspection of these sites is essential for early detection.
Where can ticks be on dogs? - in detail
Ticks attach to dogs in areas where skin is thin, warm, and difficult for the animal to groom. Common attachment sites include:
- Between the shoulder blades and along the spine, especially in the dorsal midline.
- Inside the ears, particularly the inner ear canal and the skin folds around the ear base.
- Under the neck, in the scruff region and near the collar line.
- In the armpits (axillary folds) and under the forelimbs where fur is dense.
- Around the groin, including the inguinal region and the hind leg joints.
- Between the toes and on the pads of the feet, where moisture accumulates.
- On the tail base and the ventral side of the tail.
- Inside the belly, especially around the abdomen and the area beneath the ribs.
Ticks may also be found in less obvious locations such as:
- The eyelids and around the eyes, where skin is delicate.
- The muzzle and around the mouth, particularly in the folds of the lips.
- The perianal area and around the anus, where humidity is high.
Inspection should be systematic, moving from head to tail, lifting the fur to expose the skin. Removing ticks promptly reduces the risk of disease transmission and skin irritation.