Where on a dog should one look for a tick? - briefly
Check the ears, head, neck, underbelly, armpits, groin, and the spaces between the toes, especially where skin folds create warm, humid pockets. Ticks favor these protected areas because they provide easy access to blood and shelter from the environment.
Where on a dog should one look for a tick? - in detail
Ticks favor warm, moist, and less-haired regions where they can attach unnoticed. The most common locations on a canine include:
- Ears, especially the inner folds and base
- Head and neck, around the muzzle and under the jaw
- Axillary folds (armpits)
- Groin and inner thigh area
- Abdomen, particularly the belly button region
- Between the toes and pads of the paws
- Around the tail base and under the tail
- Under the collar line and around the chest area
- Near the eyes and eyelids, where hair is sparse
When inspecting, follow a systematic approach:
- Secure the dog gently but firmly to prevent sudden movement.
- Part the coat with a fine-toothed comb, starting at the head and moving toward the tail.
- Run fingers along the skin, feeling for small, firm bumps that differ from normal hair follicles.
- Examine each of the listed zones closely, pulling the fur away from the skin to expose hidden spots.
- Use a magnifying glass if necessary to distinguish immature larvae from debris.
- If a tick is found, grasp it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure, avoiding twisting.
Regular checks, especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas, reduce the risk of prolonged attachment and disease transmission.