What should I do if I find a tick on my dog?
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Overview
If you find a tick on your dog, stay calm. In many cases it’s best to remove it carefully as soon as you can, then keep an eye on the bite site and your dog’s general behaviour for the next few days.
There can be several reasons a tick has attached, and finding one doesn’t automatically mean your dog is unwell. The main thing is to remove it safely, avoid squeezing the tick, and watch for any changes afterwards.
Things To Check
1. Check where the tick is attached, including around the head, ears, neck, armpits, belly, between the toes and around the tail base.
2. Look at the skin around it for redness, swelling, heat, discharge or a sore patch.
3. Check whether the tick is small and flat, or swollen and full of blood, as this can help you judge how long it may have been there.
4. Note whether your dog is scratching, rubbing, licking or seeming bothered by the area.
5. Check your dog for any other ticks, especially after walks in long grass, woodland or other areas where ticks are common.
6. Watch your dog over the next few days for tiredness, reduced appetite, lameness or any general change in how they seem.
7. If you’ve already tried removing it, check that the whole tick appears to have come away and that the skin isn’t getting more irritated.
Common Causes
The most common cause is simple tick attachment after your dog has been outdoors in grass, woodland, hedgerows or other tick-prone areas.
Sometimes the tick may have been picked up earlier and only noticed later, especially if your dog has a thick coat or enjoys rolling around outside.
Less commonly, the bite area may become locally irritated after removal, or your dog may have picked up more than one tick at once.
What To Do
If you can, remove the tick promptly using a proper tick remover or fine-tipped tweezers, taking care to grasp it close to the skin and pull steadily without twisting or squeezing.
After removal, clean the area gently and keep an eye on it for a few days. A small mark or mild redness can happen, but it should settle.
Check your dog’s coat and skin regularly, especially after walks in likely tick areas. It can also help to make tick checks part of your usual grooming routine.
If you’re not sure whether the tick has been fully removed, or your dog seems unwell afterwards, it’s sensible to ask a vet for advice.
Products That May Help
If you want to make routine coat checks and general grooming a bit easier, this collection may be useful as part of your normal care routine.
Related Questions
How do I remove a tick from my dog safely?
What should a tick bite look like after removal?
When should I contact a vet about a tick on my dog?
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.