How Dogs Behave When They Have a Tick
Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that pose significant health risks to dogs. They attach to a host, typically in grassy or wooded areas, and feed on blood, growing in size as they remain embedded. Understanding how a dog behaves when infested can help pet owners identify ticks early and take necessary action to prevent disease transmission.
Common Behaviors in Dogs with Ticks
While some dogs may not immediately show signs of having a tick, others may display noticeable changes. These behaviors include:
- Increased scratching or licking of a specific area
- Irritability or restlessness
- Visible discomfort when touched at the tick's location
- Favoring a leg or lameness if the tick is in a joint area
- Shaking the head, especially if a tick is in or around the ears
Physical Signs to Look For
- Abnormal skin lumps that resemble scabs or skin tags
- Bumps that are dark and have visible legs
- Movement under palpation or upon visual inspection
- Ticks become engorged after feeding and change from small and dark to large and paler
Symptoms of Tick-Borne Diseases
If a dog has contracted a tick-borne illness, more severe symptoms may develop, including:
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen joints and difficulty walking
- Fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Neurological signs such as seizures or changes in behavior
- Swollen lymph nodes
High-Risk Tick Activity Periods
Tick activity increases in spring and summer, or any time temperatures remain above freezing for 24 hours. In Australia, paralysis ticks pose a year-round risk, with peak activity in spring and early summer.
Where Ticks Attach Most Often
- Head, neck, and face
- Inside and around the ears
- Between the toes and around paws
- Under the collar
- Under the tail and groin area
- Armpits and legs
Identifying a Tick From Other Skin Bumps
- Scabs are flat and caused by healing wounds or allergies
- Skin tags are flesh-colored and lack legs or movement
- Ticks are raised, dark, have legs, and might move when touched
Steps to Take if a Dog Has a Tick
- Use a fine-point tick remover or tweezers
- Grasp the tick close to the dog’s skin and pull steadily
- Avoid squeezing or twisting which can cause disease transmission
- Clean the area with soap and water after removal
- Never use petroleum jelly, heat, or chemicals for removal
When to See a Veterinarian
Consult a vet if:
- You can’t remove the tick or parts remain embedded
- Your dog shows signs of illness post-removal
- There’s uncertainty about whether a bump is a tick or a skin lesion
Preventing Tick Infestation
- Daily tick checks after outdoor play
- Routine veterinary checkups
- Use of preventative products like oral medications, spot-ons, or collars
- Keep yards trimmed and clear of tall grass or brush
- Avoid taking dogs to known tick-infested areas during peak times
Conclusion
Prompt tick detection and removal, paired with vigilant use of preventatives and regular vet visits, can help ensure dogs stay tick-free and healthy. Behavioral cues and physical signs are essential tools for pet owners to recognize and address tick infestations early on.
