Romping through the fields, roaming the woods, barreling through the bushes, your pup is an explorer! But all that running through the tall grass can attract some unwanted passengers – ticks!
Understanding how to check for ticks in dogs is an important part of owning an outdoor-loving pup! Let’s talk about the most thorough way to search for these pesky parasites.
Why Ticks Are Dangerous For Dogs?
Ticks are small but can cause big problems if left to feed on your furry friend for too long. We know you take your pet’s health seriously, so let’s talk about why you need to rid your yard of nasty ticks.
These blood-thirsty insects are known carriers of serious diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and more. Ticks have also been known to cause tick paralysis or tick fever, which can be especially dangerous to our pups.
Dogs who love to frolic through prime tick breeding grounds like tall grasses, wooded areas, and open fields are especially vulnerable. If you live in an area with a significant tick population, your dog should be checked daily. If ticks are less present where you spend time day to day, focus on checking your dog after hikes or time spent where ticks could be present.
Signs of Ticks In Dogs
What do ticks look like on dogs? Generally, adult ticks will look like small gray or brown bumps on your dog’s fur or skin. A general body scan will help you spot any large visible ticks.
Not all tick bites will be easily noticeable at first, especially if they are bitten by a seed tick, which is smaller than an adult one. Seed ticks look like tiny poppy seeds. In addition to looking for larger bumps, pay attention to tiny specks that look like dirt, too!
You may also notice your dog licking or chewing in a certain area. If they start to shake their heads, check their ears! They could be trying to get the tick out.
Sometimes, dogs that have been bitten will be lethargic and stop eating. Other symptoms to look for include gastrointestinal issues, shortness of breath, joint pain, or fever. If your dog shows signs of any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately.
How To Check Your Dog For Ticks
You might be able to see an attached tick with the naked eye or feel the small bump on your dog’s fur after they start feeding. The best method for checking for ticks is carefully combing through your dog’s fur and feeling the skin for bumps.
Keep your furry friend bite-free by following these steps for how to check your dog for ticks.
- Start at the snout of your dog and, using your fingers like a comb, run your hands over the head and around the neck. Pay special attention to the ears and around the collar.
- You should thoroughly search your pet’s entire body, combing with your fingers. If your dog has thick or extra shaggy fur, take the time to really comb through its coat.
- Be sure to evaluate any dark or hard-to-reach areas. Check the groin, under the front legs (armpits), under the tail, and in the ears.
- If you do happen to encounter a tick on your dog’s skin, resist the urge to pull it out immediately. Use tweezers or a tick removal tool and pull it out slowly and gradually. Do not squeeze the tick’s body! Doing so may release bacteria that will cause infections or skin irritations. Either save the tick in a plastic bag to show your vet or flush it down the drain.
- Once your pup is free of its unwanted friend, clean the area with rubbing alcohol and give him or her a treat for a job well done!
Preventing Ticks On Dogs
The best way to prevent tick bites is to prevent them from moving into your space in the first place. Ask your veterinarian for flea and tick pills, spot-on treatments, or a tick-repellent collar for your pup.
Staying on top of your yard work and regularly trimming your grass and shrubs will help spread the message that ticks aren’t welcome here! You can also invest in traditional or eco-friendly yard treatments like tick control or barrier sprays.
Keep Your Dogs Away From Ticks With Mosquito Joe®
If you really want to keep your dog from becoming a tick buffet, call in the pros! Our Mosquito Joe services have been designed to rid your yard of unwanted pests while keeping your pets and family happy, healthy, and bite-free.
You can be sure that we’ll get the job done right because all our visits are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise®️ and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee. Just a little extra peace of mind for our busy clients!
Don’t let your furry friend fight off blood-thirsty ticks alone! Request a free estimate today!
