Where do ticks hide on dogs?

Where do ticks hide on dogs? - briefly

Ticks commonly attach to the ears, neck, underbelly, armpits, and between the toes where skin folds create a protected environment. These sites offer warmth, moisture, and limited grooming access, allowing the parasites to remain undetected.

Where do ticks hide on dogs? - in detail

Ticks seek sheltered, warm, and humid micro‑environments on a dog’s body. The most common concealment sites include:

  • The skin folds behind the ears and within the ear canal, where moisture accumulates.
  • The ventral neck region, especially under the collar line.
  • The armpit (axillary) area, protected by dense hair.
  • The groin and inguinal region, where skin is thin and often moist.
  • The area under the tail, particularly in long‑haired breeds.
  • The interdigital spaces and pads of the paws, where ticks can hide in the creases.
  • The abdominal skin, especially along the midline where hair may be shorter.
  • The chest and ribcage region, under the forelimb folds.

Ticks also favor any location where the skin is thin, hair is sparse, or the surface remains damp after activity or bathing. Regular inspection should focus on these zones, using a fine‑toothed comb or tactile examination to detect attached parasites before they embed deeper.