If you find a tick on your dog, you will want to act fast to prevent the transmission of bacteria that can cause illness, such as Lyme disease. Carefully remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, clean the area, and monitor your dog for infection, like a fever, lameness, fatigue, and lack of appetite. If symptoms appear, visit the vet right away.
Outdoor hikes with your best fur friend can help you create some unforgettable memories until you discover a dark bump buried in the fur— a tick. Do you know what to do? What should you do to protect your dog from Lyme disease and other risks that come with tick bites?
While the presence of a tick may send you into a panic, there is some good news. When you are armed with the right knowledge and take quick action, you can minimize the risk. This article explores what to do if you find a tick bite on a dog.
Ticks and Their Risks
Ticks are small arachnids that latch onto humans and animals to feed on blood. They can typically be found in wooded, grassy areas where they are often low and out of sight. As you and your dog walk through them, the ticks latch on for the ride.
Unfortunately, ticks can carry a long list of diseases that can infect their victims, with the most common yet dangerous being Lyme disease.
Caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that is transmitted with a tick bite, this disease can be dangerous. It can cause your pup to experience symptoms such as lameness, fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue. It can also lead to serious kidney complications, as well as damage to the heart and joints.
If you notice a tick on your dog you must remove it right away.
How to Check Your Dog For Ticks
You need to know how to check your dog for ticks. While you may very well just happen to see one, it is not uncommon for them to be hidden and tough to spot. Ticks are small and, depending on how furry your pooch is, they may be very difficult to see. By intentionally checking your dog for ticks, you can be proactive in the fight against potential diseases.
Here’s what you need to do.
Examine the head and neck. One of the first places to look is on your dog’s head and neck. Ticks can easily grab onto these areas and may be found in or behind the ears, around the eyes, or in the fold of their neck.
Check out the rest of the body. Gently run your hands along your dog’s body paying attention to any little lumps, bumps, or growths. Note that ticks range in size so they feel like a speck or a large growth. Carefully inspect the dog’s belly, as well as under their legs, arms, tail, and groin area.
Ticks love to be hidden so areas that offer some shelter for them are key spots to check.
Do This to Find a Tick Bite on a Dog
As you examine your dog, do you know what to do if you find a tick? You want to remove the tick as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of infection, but you will want to do this properly and carefully.
Remain Calm
If you just got home from being outdoors and you see a tick on your dog, don’t freak out. Most diseases are not transmitted right away. It could take a day or two for any harmful bacteria to make its way into your pup.
Nonetheless, act swiftly.
Properly Remove the Tick
To reduce the risk of infection, you must remove the tick properly using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Be sure to grab the tick’s body as close to the dog’s body as possible — without squeezing it.
- Pull it out straight. You want to ensure you get the entire tick off of your dog. To do this, you want to gently pull it out in a steady, straight motion. Since they bury their head into the skin, if you pull too hard or with any twisted movements, their mouthparts can break off and be left behind.
- Dispose of the tick. As an extra layer of protection, you want to properly dispose of the tick. This is done by flushing it down the toilet or placing it in a sealed bag. Do not simply toss in the garbage. Also, do not crush with your fingers as this could spread bacteria.
- Clean with an antiseptic. Once you are sure you have removed the tick fully from the dog, clean the area using an antiseptic as a means to prevent infections. And, of course, be sure to wash your hands well.
Monitor Your Dog for Symptoms
Keep an eye out for any signs of illness that may appear within the next few weeks. Again, these may include:
- Lethargy
- Lameness
- Limping
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling of the joints or lymph nodes
- Tight, painful abdomen
If symptoms arise, contact your vet right away.
Visit the Veterinarian
Whether or not your dog has symptoms, or if you are concerned about a risk of Lyme disease, it is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to perform a blood test and prescribe antibiotics if needed.
Find Relief from Lyme Disease at Lyme Mexico
Lyme disease isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition — and neither is the treatment. This makes it tough to find relief from some of the symptoms when not working closely with a Lyme-literate doctor. Travel outside the country, such as outside the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, and find alternate treatments that will give you the relief you have been hoping for.
Contact Lyme Mexico today to learn more!
Conclusion
It can be scary to find a tick on your dog. But when you know the steps to take to properly remove it and protect your pet, you will reduce the risk of transmitting tick-borne diseases. The more careful you are, the safer it is for you and your best fur friend can continue to go on your outdoor adventures.
Check This Out!
Protecting your pets means protecting your home and community! Ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease and Rickettsia, so it’s essential to stay vigilant. A little care goes a long way for their health—and ours. Check out what Dr. Morales has to say in the video below!