How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Tick
Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that can attach to your dog and transmit potentially serious diseases. Recognizing and removing ticks promptly is essential for your dog’s health. Here’s how to determine whether your dog has a tick, how to find and remove them, and how to prevent infestations in the future.
Understanding What a Tick Looks Like
Ticks are arachnids, like spiders, and adult ticks have eight legs. Their appearance changes dramatically after feeding:
- Before feeding: Small, flat, and dark brown or black, about 1mm in size.
- After feeding: Engorged and much larger (up to 1cm), paler in color with a round or oval shape.
Where to Check for Ticks on Your Dog
Ticks prefer warm, hidden spots. Common locations include:
- Inside and around the ears
- Between the toes
- Under the tail
- Around the eyes and eyelids
- The groin or armpits
- Under the collar and neck area
- The feet and legs
Run your hands slowly through your dog’s fur and feel for unusual bumps. Ticks can resemble skin tags or scabs, but they have legs that may move and are not flush with the skin.
Tick Behavior and Risks
Ticks do not jump or fly. They attach to animals that brush past tall grass, shrubs, or wooded areas. Dogs are particularly susceptible during spring and summer or when the temperature rises above freezing for more than 24 hours. In Australia, the highest risk occurs during spring and early summer, though ticks can be present year-round.
Diseases Ticks Can Transmit
Ticks can carry diseases that affect both dogs and humans. Some of the most common dog-borne diseases include:
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Tick paralysis (especially in Australia)
Symptoms to watch for:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Lameness and joint pain
- Fever and vomiting
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Changes in behavior
- Neurological signs, including seizure in severe cases
Paralysis Tick: A Serious Threat in Australia
In Australia, the paralysis tick is particularly hazardous. It’s found primarily on the east coast. Signs of a paralysis tick bite include:
- Voice changes
- Vomiting
- Coughing
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty breathing
Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if you suspect a paralysis tick.
How to Remove a Tick from Your Dog
- Use a fine-point tick removal tool or tweezers.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull straight out with steady, even pressure.
- Do not twist or squeeze the tick, which could leave mouthparts behind or increase infection risk.
- Clean the area with soap and water or disinfectant.
Avoid ineffective methods like petroleum jelly, alcohol, or heat, which can worsen the situation. If you leave part of the tick in the skin, consult your vet.
Preventive Measures
The best defense is consistent prevention. Preventative products include:
- Oral medications
- Spot-on treatments
- Tick collars
Work with your vet to choose the most appropriate product for your dog based on age, breed, health status, and lifestyle.
Daily Tick Checks
- Check your dog daily, especially after outdoor activities.
- Focus on hidden areas where ticks are likely to hide.
- Regular grooming or trimming coats in warmer months can help.
Environmental Control
- Keep grass and shrubs trimmed in your yard.
- Avoid heavily infested areas during peak seasons.
- Restrict your dog’s access to dense vegetation where ticks may live.
Ticks vs. Other Skin Lumps
- Scabs: Flat, from healing wounds. No legs or motion.
- Skin tags: Soft, flesh-colored, immobile. No legs.
- Ticks: Have legs, are dark, raised, and may move when touched.
If you're unsure whether a bump is a tick, err on the side of caution and consult your veterinarian. Never attempt to remove a skin tag yourself.
Conclusion
With regular checks, the right preventative treatments, and an understanding of what to look for, you can protect your dog from the dangers of ticks. Early detection and removal significantly reduce the risk of disease. Be vigilant, especially in high-risk environments, and partner with your veterinarian to ensure your dog stays happy and healthy.
