Tiny Troublemakers: Recognizing the Signs Your Dog Has a Tick

If your dog enjoys a lot of time lounging in long grass or is outdoors often, they are at a greater risk of picking up a tick. This can lead to getting tick bites, which could cause disease transmission in your dog.

But fret not, for there are ways that we can identify when your dog has picked up a tick. Effective tick prevention techniques also reduce the risk of flea bites or infection from an attached tick.

In this article, we discuss all of these and more. Be prepared to take prompt action to protect your furry friend from these pesky parasites.

Ticks & Their Impact on Your Doggo

Ticks lie in the grass and can wait up to two years for a food source. Naturally, when your dog lies in the grass, this ups the chances of the tick feeding upon them.

The tick remains on your dog until they’re fed up and then they drop off, but during this time, your dog is at risk of being infected with a variety of unwanted agents such as Lyme disease, spotted fever, and other unpleasant conclusions of an unwanted disease transmission from an infected tick.

Ticks go through four life stages: egg, larva, nymph stage, and then adult. To progress from one stage of their life cycle to the next, a tick requires a blood meal. But you don’t want your dog at risk of a disease transmitted by a tick.

The most common ticks include the following listed below.

• American dog tick: Brown with white decoration.
• Brown dog tick: Notable for its brown color. Surprised?
• Deer tick or black-legged tick: Red-orange with black shield and black legs.
• Lone star tick: flat back like a pancake, females have a white spot),
• Asian longhorn tick: red-brown and very long legs.

Spotting a Tick Infestation in Your Dog

If your dog is itching and scratching constantly or unusually, this could be a sign that they have picked up a tick. The risk is higher if they spend a lot of time outdoors, lying in the sun, etc., as many dogs want to do.

Coax your dog over and gently run your fingers through their fur, feeling for small bumps. Check-in and around the ears, under their collar, front legs, between their back legs, toes, and around their tail.

Most ticks will be visible, and if your dog has been bitten, there will be redness, swelling, or irritation at the bite site. For tick removal, twist the parasite off with tweezers or a tick removal tool.

Signs Your Dog Has a Tick

You can also get the tip-off from their behaviors without checking your dog’s fur and skin for dog ticks.

If your dog is lethargic or has startling decreased energy levels, then this is a sign. Other clinical signs include loss of appetite and sudden weight loss. They may also experience joint pain as a result of the bacterium. This is a result of joint stiffness.

They may also develop a fever that comes with many symptoms worth learning about to identify the issue. They also may have an infection or disease from the tick or flea.

Removing Ticks from Your Dog

To remove them safely, twist them off. Many tick-removal devices are also available to help with this, which are designed specifically for the job. The key thing to remember is not to leave the tick mouthpart behind.

If the head of the tick is left, as often occurs when the tick is buried deep in your dog’s skin, then the tick removal won’t prevent the risk of infection.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, you must pull upward with an even, steady sleight of hand and pressure. Don’t twist the tick, as this can cause mouth parts to break off. But if this does happen, then remove the mouth with the tweezers. Ultimately, you want to ensure that the entirety of the tick is removed.

For the best after-care, dispose of the tick by flushing it away, wrapping it tightly in tape, sealing it in a bag or container, or placing it in alcohol. Don’t crush it with your fingers. Then, of course, keep an eye on the de-ticked area on your dog. If a rash or fever develops, follow up with a trip to the vet and get professional guidance.

Preventing Tick Infestations

Tick removal is essential if your dog gets an attached tick (particularly during tick season), but tick prevention is better. To stay on top of it, do regular tick checks. You can buy equipment for grooming practices, such as citrus shampoo and gentle implements.

Of course, take precautions about where your dog goes. Avoid marshes and places where ticks and fleas are likelier. In other cases, you can seek vaccinations from your veterinarian. To know more about these, you should seek expert advice.

Protect Your Dog from Ticks

In most cases, you don’t need to worry. Dogs are generally safe from the risk of tick bacterium. But to protect your dog’s body from the risk, it’s good to be militant. When you’re stroking your dog, you can check them, and you can comb and groom them.

As this becomes a part of their routine, they will come to expect and enjoy it, much like toothbrushing and oral care.

Overall, the takeaway is identifying the signs and taking action when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ticks transmit diseases to dogs?

Yes, from Lyme disease and tick paralysis to canine hepatozoonosis, ticks can cause all sorts of diseases.

How often should I check my dog for ticks?

Every day is ideal, especially after they have spent a lot of time outdoors or in long grass.

Are there natural remedies for repelling ticks?

Ticks hate citrus properties like the scent of lemon and orange. They also hate cinnamon, lavender, peppermint, and rose geranium.

Should I be concerned if I find only one tick on my dog?

Mainly, ticks don’t harm your dog. Still, you should remove the tick. If it doesn’t budge, check with a veterinarian expert.

Can ticks infest indoor dogs?

Yes, ticks can infest dogs indoors. Dogs that spend short periods outdoors can also get ticks.