How do I check my dog for ticks after a walk?
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Overview
After a walk, the best way to check your dog for ticks is to run your hands slowly over the whole body and look closely at the places ticks like to hide, such as the ears, around the collar, under the legs, between the toes and around the tail. You’re usually looking for a small attached bump, a dark speck, or an area of irritation where a tick may have been feeding.
Not every lump is a tick, and finding one doesn’t mean your dog is unwell. It can simply mean they picked one up in long grass, woodland, parkland or other areas where ticks are more common. A calm, careful check after walks is usually the most useful approach.
Things To Check
1. Check whether your dog has been in long grass, bracken, woodland edges, hedgerows or other tick-prone areas.
2. Run your fingers slowly through the coat and feel for small firm bumps that weren’t there before.
3. Look carefully around the ears, face, neck, collar line, armpits, groin, between the toes and under the tail.
4. Part the fur to check the skin, especially on lighter or shorter coats where ticks can be easier to spot.
5. Watch for redness, swelling, scabs, soreness or a spot that seems unusually warm or irritated.
6. Check whether your dog is scratching, licking, rubbing or reacting when you touch a certain area.
7. If you find something attached, compare it with a small skin lump or debris before trying to remove it.
Common Causes
The most common reason to check for ticks after a walk is simple exposure to grassy or wooded areas where ticks are active. Dogs can pick them up while brushing through vegetation, even on short outings.
Sometimes what you feel is not a tick at all, but a small skin tag, scab, dirt, grass seed or a normal bump in the skin. Mild irritation can also be left behind after a tick has attached and dropped off.
Less commonly, a tick may have been missed for a while, which can leave a more noticeable sore patch or persistent irritation. If your dog seems unwell, has a worsening lump, or you’re unsure what you’re seeing, it’s best to get advice.
What To Do
Check your dog as soon as you can after walks, especially in tick season or after time in long grass. Go slowly and use good light so you don’t miss small ticks.
If you find a tick, remove it promptly and carefully if you’re confident to do so, or ask your vet practice for guidance. Afterward, keep an eye on the area for a few days for redness, swelling or ongoing irritation.
It can also help to make post-walk checks part of your normal routine, along with regular grooming and coat inspection. If your dog has been in a higher-risk area, a thorough check is worth doing even if they seem fine.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if you can’t remove a tick safely, if the skin becomes very red, swollen or painful, or if your dog seems unwell after a tick bite. It’s also sensible to ask for advice if you’re unsure whether what you’ve found is a tick or a skin lump.
Products That May Help
A good grooming routine can make post-walk tick checks easier, especially if your dog has a dense or longer coat. The right pet care items may help support regular coat checking and everyday hygiene.
Related Questions
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.