What Should You Do if You Find Ticks on Your Dog?

Finding a tick on your dog can be stressful, but knowing how to handle the situation quickly and properly can make all the difference, especially when it comes to proper dog tick removal. As a professional who’s spent years dealing with pests and parasites in Melbourne, I can tell you that ticks are a constant concern, particularly in areas with dense foliage or long grass.

These tiny, blood-sucking creatures may seem harmless at first, but they can transmit dangerous diseases to your dog and you. Here are the best practices for checking your dog for ticks, safely removing them, and preventing future infestations.

Immediate Steps To Take When You Find A Tick On Your Dog

How To Check Your Dog For Ticks

If you’ve ever had the unsettling experience of finding a tick on your dog, you’ll know how important it is to act quickly. As someone who’s spent decades in the pest control industry, I’ve seen everything from the tiniest seed ticks to fully engorged adult ticks. 

But here’s the thing – ticks are far easier to manage when you catch them early. The first step is to ensure your dog is checked regularly, especially after a walk in tick-prone areas such as tall grass, woodlands, or local parks. 

Ticks are a year-round threat around Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, so I’ve come to take them seriously. A friend once shared how she missed a tick attached to her dog for a couple of days and later had to rush to the vet after it caused a nasty infection.

• How to Check: Using your hands to feel through your dog’s coat is key. A tick isn’t just something you can spot easily, especially on dogs with longer or darker fur. I recommend gently brushing your fingers through their fur with some pressure. This will help you feel for any small bumps. You may notice something that feels like a small pea, skin tag, or scab. Sometimes, ticks can be so tiny that only a fine-toothed comb (the kind you might use for fleas or lice) can help you spot them.
• Where to Check: Focus on the areas where ticks tend to attach the most: around the head, neck, eyes, under the ears, between the toes, and under the tail. A tick’s favourite hiding spots are warm, dark areas of your dog’s body, so keep an eye out for those areas, especially after a walk.

One of my past experiences comes to mind: a client had a Jack Russell, and during a routine tick check, I found three ticks embedded around the neck. These ticks are sneaky and can be easily overlooked. So, check thoroughly. Don’t rush it. Make it part of your regular pet care routine.

Common Tick Locations on Dogs

Body Part	Areas to Check	Reason for Frequency
Head & Neck	Under the ears, around the eyes, beneath the collar	Ticks are attracted to warm areas
Between Toes	Between paw pads and toes	Ticks often attach in hard-to-reach spots
Tail	Under the tail, along the underside	Hidden, warm areas often attract ticks
Armpits and Groin	Inner thighs, under the legs	Sensitive, warm skin areas

The Right Way To Remove Ticks From Your Dog

How To Safely Remove Ticks

Once you’ve found a tick, it’s important to remove it properly to minimise the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps for safe tick removal:

Step-by-Step Tick Removal:

1. Gather Supplies:
   
   • Fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool.
     
   • Gloves to protect yourself from potential tick-borne diseases.
     
   • A small container or plastic bag to dispose of the tick.
     
2. Wear Gloves
   
   • Ticks can transmit diseases to humans as well, so it’s important to protect yourself while handling them. Wearing gloves will prevent direct contact with the tick and reduce the risk of infection.
     
3. Grasp the Tick Close to the Skin
   
   • Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the dog’s skin as possible. Avoid squeezing the tick’s body, as this can cause it to release harmful toxins or bacteria into your dog.
     
4. Pull the Tick Out Slowly
   
   • With firm, steady pressure, pull the tick straight out without twisting or jerking. Twisting the tick may cause parts of its mouth to remain embedded in your dog’s skin, which can lead to infection.
     
5. Dispose of the Tick Properly
   
   • Place the tick in a sealed container or jar to keep it secure. If you’re concerned about disease transmission, take the tick to your vet for identification.
     
6. Clean the Bite Area
   
   • After removing the tick, clean the bite area with soap and water, followed by an antiseptic. This will help reduce the risk of infection.

Why You Should Avoid Common Tick Removal Myths

Numerous myths are circulating about removing ticks, and while some may seem like good ideas at the time, they can actually exacerbate the problem. As tempting as trying these “easy fixes” may be, they can lead to more harm than good.

Here are a few methods I’ve come across in my time that you should never try:

• Burning the Tick with a Match: As I mentioned earlier, burning the tick is ineffective and dangerous. It can cause the tick to regurgitate blood and saliva into your dog’s bloodstream, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Plus, it can burn your dog’s skin. If you’ve heard of this method, I’d strongly advise you to steer clear.
• Smothering with Petroleum Jelly or Kerosene: While these methods might make the tick uncomfortable and cause it to detach, they’re more likely to irritate and encourage it to regurgitate blood into the dog’s system. This is not the environment you want to create when dealing with a tick.

In one instance, a dog owner attempted to suffocate the tick by covering it with petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, this failed to remove the tick, leaving the dog with irritated skin and a potential risk of infection. Always use the proper tools for the job—they’ve been designed with your dog’s safety in mind.

Safe vs. Unsafe Tick Removal Methods

Method	Safety	Reason for Effectiveness
Fine-tipped tweezers	Safe, recommended	Gently removes the tick without squeezing its body or causing it to regurgitate.
Tick removal tool	Safe, recommended	Specifically designed to safely remove ticks.
Burning with a match	Unsafe	It can cause the tick to release harmful fluids into the dog.
Suffocating with petroleum jelly	Unsafe	Increases the risk of regurgitation and infection.
Drowning with alcohol	Unsafe	Can cause the tick to regurgitate toxins into the dog’s bloodstream.

What To Do After Removing The Tick From Your Dog

Cleaning The Bite Area

Once the tick is safely removed, cleaning the bite area thoroughly is the next step. This is just as important as removing the tick, as bacteria from the tick’s mouthparts can be transferred to your dog’s skin.

Here’s how to clean the area:

• Use Soap and Water: A simple wash with lukewarm water and mild soap is usually enough to clean the bite site. You can also disinfect the area with an antiseptic or pet-friendly wound spray. It’s crucial not to use products meant for humans, as they might irritate your dog’s sensitive skin.
• Check for Redness or Infection: After cleaning, observe the area for any signs of infection or swelling. A small red mark may initially appear, but if it starts to swell or pus forms, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Sometimes, a client of mine was surprised to find that even after thorough cleaning, their dog’s bite site showed a sign of infection, requiring an antibiotic ointment.

Monitoring Your Dog For Symptoms Of Tick-Borne Diseases

Even if you remove the tick without incident, keeping a close eye on your dog for any signs of tick-borne diseases is essential. Depending on the type of tick and the disease it carries, symptoms of these diseases can appear anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after the bite.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Fever: If your dog has a high temperature, it may indicate an infection or disease.
• Lethargy: If your normally active dog is suddenly tired and lethargic, it could be a symptom of a more serious condition.
• Swollen Joints or Limping: Joint swelling and lameness are among the more common symptoms of Lyme disease. If your dog is limping or appears to be in pain, it’s time to have it checked by a veterinarian.
• Vomiting, Diarrhea, or Loss of Appetite: These signs often accompany tick-borne illnesses, such as Ehrlichiosis or Anaplasmosis.

If you notice these symptoms, don’t wait; contact your vet immediately. I once worked with a client whose dog started showing signs of Lyme disease within a week of a tick bite. Thankfully, the dog recovered after treatment, but it served as a reminder of why regular tick checks and prompt removal are so crucial.

When Should You Take Your Dog To The Vet For A Tick Bite?

Signs You Need To Consult A Vet

While most tick removal scenarios can be handled at home, there are certain situations in which it’s essential to seek professional help. Here are some signs that you should contact your vet:

• Symptoms of Tick-Borne Illness: If your dog shows signs of lethargy, fever, or joint swelling after a tick bite, it may have contracted a tick-borne disease.
  
• Difficulty Removing the Tick: If the tick’s head or mouthparts remain embedded in the skin, your vet will need to remove them safely to prevent infection.
  
• Severe Reaction to Tick Bite: If your dog has a severe reaction to a tick bite, such as excessive swelling or difficulty breathing, immediate veterinary attention is needed.

Signs to Seek Veterinary Help After a Tick Bite

Symptom	Possible Cause
Fever or Lethargy	Possible tick-borne disease (e.g., Lyme disease)
Difficulty Breathing	Severe allergic reaction or tick paralysis
Severe Redness or Swelling	Infection at the bite site or embedded tick head
Limping or Joint Swelling	Symptoms of Lyme disease

In my experience, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Don’t hesitate to call your vet for advice if you’re in doubt. Based on your dog’s symptoms and history, they can provide the best course of action.

How A Vet Can Help With Tick-Related Health Issues

When ticks are involved, a veterinarian can help in ways that extend beyond simply removing the tick. If your dog is showing symptoms or has been bitten by a tick, a vet will assess the situation, often conducting tests to ensure that your dog hasn’t been exposed to tick-borne diseases.

• Blood Tests: Veterinarians can perform blood tests to detect early signs of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, or Anaplasmosis. If your dog shows symptoms, this is the quickest way to identify whether your dog is at risk.
• Prescription Medications: Occasionally, your dog may require antibiotics to treat an infection or prevent the transmission of disease. For example, if your dog is diagnosed with Lyme disease, your vet may prescribe doxycycline, an antibiotic commonly used to treat tick-borne infections.
• Tick-Related Complications: Occasionally, tick bites can lead to more severe complications, such as tick paralysis, which is caused by toxins released by the tick. While this is rare, a vet can spot it early, ensuring the correct treatment is administered promptly.

I once encountered a situation where a dog developed symptoms of tick paralysis after being bitten by several ticks. The dog’s owner didn’t notice the ticks in time, and by the time they sought help, the dog was struggling to walk. Thankfully, the vet provided the necessary treatment, and the dog made a full recovery. It was a tough experience, but it reinforced just how critical it is to act quickly when ticks are involved.

Preventing Future Tick Infestations On Your Dog

Tick Prevention Treatments For Dogs

Prevention is always better than a cure, and ticks are no exception. As much as I wish ticks could be completely eradicated, the reality is that they’re a constant threat to both pets and people. Thankfully, there are various methods to reduce the chances of ticks making a meal out of your dog.

• Tick Collars: One of the most common tick prevention tools I recommend to pet owners is the tick collar. These collars release chemicals that repel ticks and kill them on contact. Australia’s most popular and effective tick collars contain substances like deltamethrin or flumethrin. However, you’ll want to ensure the collar fits well and is comfortable for your dog.
• Topical Treatments: There are several topical treatments available that can prevent ticks from attaching to your dog. These are usually applied directly to the skin at the back of your dog’s neck and can last a month or more. I’ve seen excellent results with spot-on treatments designed to repel and kill ticks. They’re highly effective and easy to apply.
• Oral Medications: If you prefer an oral treatment, options are available that offer three-month protection against ticks. These medications are convenient, and I’ve recommended them to pet owners who struggle to keep collars on their pets. Oral meds are a great option for high-risk areas, such as rural or bushland regions where ticks are more common.
• Vaccination: Although not as widely available, vaccines for tick-borne diseases are available in some countries, and their use may become more common in Australia over time. I’ve seen the introduction of the Lyme vaccine in some regions, and it could become a game-changer for tick protection.

The key takeaway here is consistency. Regardless of the prevention method you choose, ensure your dog remains protected year-round. I once had a client whose dog was on tick prevention but skipped a dose for a few months, only to find that their dog became infested after a walk. Don’t make that mistake – routine prevention is the best defence.

Creating A Tick-Free Yard For Your Dog

Ticks don’t just wait for your dog to venture into the woods – they can lurk in your backyard. Many tick-related issues I’ve dealt with have involved infestations in local backyards, especially after periods of wet weather when ticks are most active.

• Trim the Grass: Ticks prefer to hide in tall grass, so keeping your yard mowed short will help reduce their habitat. If you live near wooded areas, this is a must. A quick anecdote from a local client in Melbourne’s outer suburbs: they had a dense hedge along their fence, which provided the perfect home for ticks. After clearing the undergrowth, the tick problem virtually disappeared.
• Remove Leaf Litter and Debris: Ticks thrive in areas with abundant leaf litter, so regularly cleaning up fallen leaves and branches can help keep your yard less inviting to them. Additionally, if you have piles of wood or garden clutter, ticks may also be hiding there.
• Create a Barrier Zone: Establishing a tick-free zone between your lawn and wooded areas can help reduce the likelihood of ticks entering your dog’s space. Some people use gravel or wood chips to create a less appealing barrier to ticks.

If you live in an area with a high tick population, consider treating your yard with pet-safe insecticides. I’ve recommended this to clients living in bushland areas, and it’s proven effective in reducing tick numbers.

Tick bites on dogs are common, but you can handle the situation confidently and safely with the right knowledge and understanding. Timely removal and proper care can prevent the spread of tick-borne diseases, while prevention methods like collars and treatments can protect your dog year-round. 

Regular checks, especially after outdoor activities, and keeping your yard tidy are the best ways to keep ticks at bay. If you’re ever unsure or concerned about your dog’s health after a tick bite, don’t hesitate to contact your vet – their expertise could be the key to keeping your dog happy and healthy.