Ticks are more than a nuisance. They can transmit serious diseases to dogs, and to people. Ticks are active much of the year in many areas, especially in warm months. Knowing how to remove ticks safely and prevent bites is an important part of dog care. Here’s what to know about ticks on dogs.
Quick Answer: Check your dog for ticks after time outdoors. Remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick tool by grasping close to the skin and pulling straight out with steady pressure. Use a vet-recommended tick preventive year-round in risk areas. Watch for signs of tick-borne disease like fever, lameness and lethargy.
Where Ticks Hide on Dogs
- Around the ears and inside ear flaps
- Around the eyes and on the head
- Under the collar
- Between toes
- In the armpits and groin
- Around the tail
How to Remove a Tick
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk.
- Clean the bite area with antiseptic and wash your hands.
- Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol, sealing it in a bag or flushing it. You can also save it in a sealed bag in the freezer in case your vet wants to identify it.
- Watch the bite site for redness or swelling.
What not to do
- Don’t burn the tick.
- Don’t cover it with petroleum jelly or nail polish.
- Don’t squeeze the tick’s body.
If the mouthparts stay in the skin, they usually work their way out. Call your vet if the area becomes red or swollen.
Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs
| Disease | Spread by | Common signs |
|---|---|---|
| Lyme disease | Blacklegged (deer) tick | Lameness that shifts legs, fever, swollen joints, kidney problems (rare) |
| Ehrlichiosis | Brown dog tick, lone star tick | Fever, lethargy, bleeding, weight loss |
| Anaplasmosis | Blacklegged tick | Fever, joint pain, lethargy |
| Rocky Mountain spotted fever | American dog tick, others | Fever, joint pain, neurologic signs |
| Babesiosis | Various ticks | Anemia, weakness |
VCA Animal Hospitals notes that many dogs infected with Lyme bacteria never show signs, but some develop illness weeks to months after the bite.
Preventing Ticks
Use a tick preventive
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Oral chews | Monthly or longer-acting |
| Topical spot-ons | Monthly |
| Collars | Some last several months |
Your vet will recommend a product based on your region and your dog’s health.
Never use dog tick products on cats. Some contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats.
Reduce exposure
- Keep grass short and remove leaf litter.
- Avoid tall grass and brush on walks.
- Check your dog (and yourself) after outdoor time.
Consider vaccination
A Lyme disease vaccine is available for dogs at risk. Ask your vet. See puppy vaccination schedule.
Testing
Many vets run a blood test once a year that checks for heartworm and exposure to several tick-borne diseases. See heartworm prevention for dogs.
Ticks and People
Ticks that hitch a ride on dogs can bite people too. Check family members after outdoor activities and use personal tick repellent.
When to Call Your Vet
Call your vet if your dog:
- Has a fever, lethargy or loss of appetite after a tick bite
- Is limping or has swollen joints
- Has a red, swollen bite site
- Has unusual bleeding or bruising
- Has many ticks
Tick Check Routine
- Run your hands slowly over your dog’s whole body after walks.
- Feel for small bumps, especially around the head, ears, neck and feet.
- Part the fur to look closely at any bump.
- Check between toes and under the tail.
- Remove any ticks promptly and wash your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tick need to be attached to spread disease?
It varies. Lyme transmission usually takes 24 to 48 hours, which is why prompt removal helps.
Are ticks active in winter?
Some ticks are active whenever temperatures rise above freezing.
Should I test the tick?
Your vet may recommend testing your dog later instead. Save the tick if possible.
Can ticks live in my house?
Brown dog ticks can live and reproduce indoors.
Do all ticks carry disease?
No, but many can. Prompt removal and prevention lower the risk.
What does an engorged tick look like?
It’s swollen, gray or tan and can look like a small skin tag or bean.
Can my dog give me Lyme disease?
Not directly. People get Lyme disease from tick bites, but ticks carried in on dogs can bite people.
Do indoor dogs need tick prevention?
Dogs that go outside even briefly can pick up ticks. Ask your vet about year-round prevention in your area.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
