Where should I check for ticks on dogs? - briefly
Inspect the ears, under the collar, armpits, belly, groin, between the toes, and the base of the tail, where ticks commonly hide in warm, protected skin folds. After each walk, run a fine-toothed comb or your fingertips over these spots to locate any attached parasites.
Where should I check for ticks on dogs? - in detail
Inspecting a dog for ticks requires a systematic examination of areas where the parasites commonly attach. Begin with the head region: part the fur around the ears, behind the eyes, and under the jaw. Move to the neck, especially the underside where a collar sits. Examine the armpits and the area behind the front legs, as these warm, protected spots attract ticks. Continue to the chest and belly, pulling the skin gently to reveal any hidden insects. The groin, including the inner thighs and the region around the tail base, should be checked thoroughly. Finally, inspect each paw, separating the toes and looking between the pads and under the nails.
- Ears and ear canal margins
- Around the eyes and under the jawline
- Neck, especially beneath the collar
- Armpits and under the front legs
- Chest, abdomen, and belly folds
- Groin, inner thighs, and tail base
- Between toes, pads, and under nails
Use a fine-toothed comb or fingertips to feel for small, rounded bumps. If a tick is found, grasp it close to the skin with tweezers or a tick removal tool and pull upward with steady pressure. After removal, disinfect the bite site and monitor for signs of infection. Conduct this full-body check after each outdoor activity, particularly in wooded, grassy, or brushy environments, and repeat weekly during peak tick season. Regular inspections reduce the risk of tick-borne disease transmission and keep the animal healthy.