Ticks On Dogs: How to Identify and Remove Ticks

Ticks, which belong to the order Ixodida within the superorder Parasitiformes, are parasitic arachnids that pose significant risks to your dog’s health. These tiny parasites can range in size from 3 to 5 mm when fully grown, depending on factors such as age, gender, species, and level of engorgement. Ticks are comprised of two main segments: a microscopic head and a larger abdomen. Due to their small heads, ticks often appear as bodies with six or eight curved legs. The anterior pairs of legs bend toward the head, while the posterior pairs curve toward the abdomen.

Ticks can transmit dangerous tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases can have severe consequences for your pet’s health. Veterinarians in the United States emphasize the importance of regular checks for ticks on your dog. Early detection and removal are crucial to minimizing the risk of pathogen transmission. Given their small size, with some ticks as tiny as a pinhead, spotting them can be challenging. They often hide in your dog’s fur, necessitating a thorough search, especially around areas like the neck, ears, tail, and between toes. This guide will help you find and remove ticks from your dog, ensuring their safety and preventing potential infections.

8 Types of Ticks often seen on Dogs

1. Eastern black-legged or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)

Ixodes scapularis, often referred to as the deer tick or black-legged tick, and occasionally labeled as the bear tick in certain regions of the United States, was previously identified as Ixodes dammini until its consolidation as the same species in 1993. This arachnid is notorious for its role in parasitism on dogs and other animals, often found attached to the skin and fur, especially near the neck or toe areas.

• Location: Eastern United States
• Diseases transmitted: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Borrelia miyamotoi disease, Powassan virus disease, and ehrlichiosis associated with Ehrlichia muris eauclarensis.

2. American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis)

Dermacentor variabilis, commonly recognized as the American dog tick or wood tick, is a tick species notorious for harboring bacteria associated with various tick-borne diseases. This insect is often found biting dogs, leading to pathogen transmission during blood meals.

• Location: California and east of the Rocky Mountains
• Diseases transmitted: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) (Rickettsia rickettsii), tularemia (Francisella tularensis), and canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis).

3. Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)

Amblyomma americanum is a species of tick in the genus Amblyomma. The tick is characterized by a distinctive mark on its back, resembling a grape.

• Location: Eastern and Southeastern United States
• Diseases transmitted: Ehrlichiosis, rickettsiosis, tularemia, and theileriosis.

4. Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)

Rhipicephalus sanguineus, known as the brown dog tick, kennel tick, or pantropical dog tick, is a globally distributed tick species, frequently observed in warmer regions. This tick can be found in kennels and homes, completing its entire life cycle indoors, a trait uncommon among ticks.

• Location: Throughout the United States, except for Alaska
• Diseases transmitted: Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Bartonella, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Hepatozoonosis.

5. Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni)

Dermacentor andersoni, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain wood tick, belongs to the Ixodidae family and is classified as a hard tick. It undergoes three significant life stages: larva, nymph, and adult (imago).

• Location: Rocky Mountain states
• Diseases transmitted: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) (Rickettsia rickettsii) and tularemia (Francisella tularensis), as well as the Colorado Tick Fever (CTF) virus.

6. Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum)

Amblyomma maculatum, belonging to the genus Amblyomma, is a tick species commonly encountered in nature. This tick parasitizes small mammals and birds, frequently attaching itself to animals like cotton rats.

• Location: Coastal states along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coast, as far north as Maryland.
• Diseases transmitted: Rickettsia parkeri, Tick paralysis, American canine Hepatozoonosis, Rickettsiosis.

7. Western black-legged or deer tick (Ixodes pacificus)

Ixodes pacificus, known as the western black-legged tick, is a parasitic tick species native to the western coast of North America. This tick plays a pivotal role as the primary transmitter of Lyme disease in the region.

• Location: States along the Pacific coast, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah
• Diseases transmitted: Lyme disease, Anaplasma.

8. Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis)

Haemaphysalis longicornis, also known as the Asian longhorned tick, bush tick, or cattle tick, is a parasitic arachnid species within the tick family Ixodidae. This tick is of significant concern to both veterinarians and pet owners due to its ability to transmit various tick-borne diseases.

• Location: North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Kentucky, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Ohio. Ongoing research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims to ascertain its distribution in additional regions across the United States.
• Diseases transmitted: Anaplasma, Babesia, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Theileria species.

The Symptoms of Ticks on Dogs

Ticks on dogs cause a variety of indications and symptoms, depending on the type of tick. Symptoms associated with brown dog ticks may encompass skin irritation or anemia. Conversely, dogs affected by paralysis ticks may exhibit a range of signs, typically emerging three days or more after attachment.These signs might include:

• A loss of coordination in the rear legs (wobbling or inability to get up), which can lead to paralysis.
• A change in voice or bark.
• You can notice your dog vomiting after a tick bite.
• Retching, coughing, and loss of appetite.
• Breathing laboriously or rapidly.
• Following a tick bite, your dog may appear lethargic.

If you suspect a tick bite, consult your veterinarian immediately. Their expertise can ensure your furry friend gets the best treatment.

Where Should You Check Your Dog for Ticks?

Check your pet for ticks every day, especially after they’ve spent time outside. Begin by checking your dog’s back and belly, running your hands against the direction of the haircoat to detect any small lumps or bumps, where ticks may be concealed. They tend to favor warm, dark areas, so ensure thorough inspection in and around the ears, between the back legs, nestled between the toes, underneath the front legs and along the tail. Additionally, check skinfolds, particularly around the head, neck, and beneath the collar. Finally, lift the tail to inspect around the anus and perineal region, as ticks may also hide in these areas. Regular and comprehensive checks can help mitigate the risk of tick infestation and related health issues in your pet.

• In and around ears: Ticks are often attracted to the warm and hidden folds of your dog’s ears. Inspect the inner folds and behind the ears, feeling for any small bumps or irregularities.
• Around eyes, eyelids, and face: Carefully examine the area around your dog’s eyes, including the eyelids and the fur around them. Ticks can hide in these areas, so be thorough in your inspection.
• Under collar or harness: Ticks can latch onto the collar or harness, especially if they come into contact with vegetation or brush while your dog is outside. Lift the collar or harness and check underneath it for any ticks.
• Under front legs (armpits): Ticks are drawn to areas with less fur and thinner skin. Lift your dog’s front legs and inspect the armpits, feeling for any bumps or ticks attached to the skin.
• Between toes (including pads): Ticks can hide between your dog’s toes, where it’s warm and protected. Take the time to separate the toes and examine between them, including the paw pads. Look for any small dark spots or ticks attached to the skin.
• Around the groin and tail area: Ticks are attracted to warm and concealed areas such as the groin and tail region. Carefully inspect these areas, parting the fur and checking for any ticks attached to your dog’s skin.

It’s important to note that ticks can be found anywhere on your dog’s body, so a thorough examination is necessary. While these primary areas are typical hotspots, ticks can also attach themselves in other locations. Be diligent and check your dog’s entire body, including the neck, chest, back, belly, and legs.

Why Should You Check Your Dog for Ticks?

Ticks can carry diseases that can make people and pets sick. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. When a tick bites a dog, the bite causes an itchy welt to form on the skin and can also transmit a serious illness, such as tick paralysis, or a bacterial disease, such as Lyme disease. Ticks can transmit certain diseases, like Ehrlichiosis or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, within 3-6 hours after attaching to a dog. Lyme disease can be transmitted within 24-48 hours. Quickly finding and removing a tick from a dog is important to minimize disease transmission.

Dogs need to be on year-round flea and tick prevention that kills ticks quickly as they try to feed. However, prevention is not 100% effective, and some of these products work better than others. Dogs may become infected if they walk through an area that is heavily populated with ticks, and not every tick will die with prevention. That’s why it’s important to routinely check your dog for ticks.

Bathing can be an effective way to remove ticks and soothe your dog’s skin. Learn the proper techniques in our comprehensive guide: How to Bathe a Dog with Ticks

How to Remove Ticks from a Dog

Discovering a tick on your dog may instinctively prompt you to pull it off. However, twisting it could result in the tick’s mouth detaching and remaining in your pet’s skin. Instead, equip yourself with a pair of tweezers and some rubbing alcohol. Tick extraction can be tricky, but with appropriate knowledge and preparation, you can safely and effectively remove it. Follow these steps:

• Apply the rubbing alcohol on the tick, which could irritate it and prompt it to loosen its grip.
• Use the tweezers to grasp the tick right at its head — avoid grabbing its body — and pull steadily without twisting. Refrain from attempting to burn the tick off or smother it with petroleum jelly, both of which are ineffective and potentially harmful.
• Once the tick is removed, kill it by immersing it in rubbing alcohol. Flushing a live tick down the toilet may not kill it, and squashing it with your fingers is ill-advised due to the potential transmission of diseases from its insides.
• After the tick removal, clean the bite area on your dog with alcohol and apply an antibiotic ointment. A slight swelling may appear around the bite due to the toxic saliva of ticks, but this should subside shortly.
• Ensure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after the procedure.

Monitor the bitten area for any signs of redness or rashes. If you have concerns about tick-borne diseases, consult with your vet for a professional examination.

For more detailed information on treating the bite area, check out our guide on How to Treat a Tick Bite on Your Dog

FAQs

How will I know if my dog has a tick?

Ticks can appear as small, dark, or irregularly shaped objects attached to the skin. They may be partially or fully embedded in the skin and can vary in size depending on their life stage and whether they have been fed. Additionally, you might notice a tick bite site characterized by a small red bump or irritation on your dog’s skin. Regularly checking your dog for ticks and being aware of any changes in their behavior or health can help you identify if your dog has a tick

Is a tick on a tick harmful?

A tick itself isn’t inherently harmful. However, the diseases it can transmit pose a serious threat. Common tick-borne illnesses in dogs include Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis, which can cause a range of health problems.

How long will a tick stay on a tick?

An unfed tick can live for months in the environment, waiting for a host. Once attached to your dog, it will feed for several days to a week before detaching and laying eggs. Early detection and removal are crucial to prevent disease transmission.

What should I do if I find ticks on my dog?

If you discover ticks on your dog, stay calm and follow these steps:

• Remove the tick: Use a tick removal tool and gently extract it. Don’t attempt to squish or squeeze the tick.
• Clean the bite area: Apply a mild antiseptic solution to the bite site.
• Monitor your dog: Watch for any signs of infection or changes in behavior that might indicate tick-borne illness.
• Consult your vet: Schedule an appointment to discuss the tick and potential preventative measures for your dog.

Should I be worried if I found a tick on my dog?

Finding a tick on your dog warrants attention, but it doesn’t necessarily mean cause for alarm. While some tick species carry diseases, not all bites will transmit illness. However, it’s crucial to remove the tick swiftly and keep an eye on your dog for any signs of discomfort or illness.

What kills ticks on dogs immediately?

Over-the-counter products like tick sprays or powders might advertise immediate tick kill. However, their effectiveness can vary, and some may not be safe for your dog. It’s best to consult your veterinarian for recommended tick prevention medications or safe removal methods.

As for products that kill ticks on dogs immediately, NexGard is a popular option. It is an oral medication that kills ticks within 24 hours of administration. When administered to dogs, it kills ticks by disrupting their nervous system, ultimately leading to death. Anipet Shop offers several effective products for killing ticks on dogs, including NexGard and Bravecto, known for their immediate action against ticks.

For a comprehensive list of the best tick prevention options, check out our guide on eliminating ticks now.

What happens if a dog is left with a tick head?

Ideally, the entire tick should be removed during extraction. If the head gets left behind, it usually doesn’t pose a significant health risk. However, the embedded part might cause irritation or infection. It’s best to monitor the area and consult your vet if you notice any redness, swelling, or pus formation.

References:

• Kuleš, J., Čupera, J., Trachtová, J., Bazsalovicsová, E., Špitalská, E., Cabanová, V., … Volfová, A. (2022). Tick-borne pathogens in dogs and ticks from south-eastern Slovakia: High prevalence of Babesia canis and occurrence of Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis co-infections. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 8440. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11973-4

• Otranto, D., & Dantas-Torres, F. (2010). Global distribution of canine vector-borne diseases. Parasites & Vectors, 3(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-3305-3-26

• Taetzsch, A., Heitmann, I., Hartelt, K., Krüger, M., & Vieweg, L. (2022). Seroprevalence of selected tick-borne pathogens in dogs from different regions of Germany and risk factor analysis. PLOS ONE, 17(7), e0270832. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270832

• American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. (n.d.-a). Tick-borne disease. https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/sporting-field-dogs/tick-borne-disease.html

• American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. (n.d.-b). Tick-borne disease initiative. https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/tick-borne-disease/tick-borne-disease-initiative.html