What Does A Tick Look Like In A Dog?

A tick looks like a small, round or oval, eight-legged insect on a dog. They vary in size depending on the species, they can be as small as a pin-head or as large as a grape. When they are attached to your dog, they will appear bloated and may vary in colors like brown, black or gray.

It’s critical to note that they embed their heads into the dog’s skin, where they feast on the dog’s blood, often leaving their bodies visibly sticking out. So if you see a round mass that seems attached to your dog’s skin, it might likely be a tick.

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

If you have been a pet parent for quite some time now, then you’re well aware of the fact that they tend to run around and be playful and active by nature. Whether it be around the house or a grassy backyard, our four-legged friends have a knack for either doing multiple tricks for treats, or bugging you out to play their favorite game of fetch.

Because of their nature, it doesn’t come off as a surprise that our dogs ate prone to tick species.

During its entire life cycle, dogs are almost guaranteed to experience tick-related cases, at least once. This is because they are naturally seeking physical stimulation, causing them to either run around certain areas and walk around parks without you even noticing what touches their skins.

If you’re new to the world of pets and dogs, then this feature should be good for you, as we will be discussing some common concerns for ticks in dogs, what do they look like, and how you can spot them and treat or remove them as soon as you notice them in your dog.

Let’s get right into it!

Dog's nose

What Does A Tick Look Like In A Dog?

Known to many, ticks are relatively small, and can be almost invisible to the naked eye, unless they have been attached to a host for a prolonged period of time, in which they become engorged with blood. If your dog however has little fur, then ticks can be quite easy to spot.

The species of tick are known to be egg-shaped or spider like for the adults, with their size varying from 1mm to 1cm long, but their size tends to be larger as it fills itself with blood.

Unlike most insects (or pests for that matter), tick species do not have the ability to fly or jump. Tick season is most active during the spring and autumn months.

Where Is My Dog Most Prone To Ticks?

Usually, ticks are often found when your dog is on a trip through areas that are grassy, or in certain woodland areas.

How Will I Know If My Dog Has Ticks?

Aside from being a bit challenging to spot, most pet owners run their hands through the coat or fur of their dogs. If you notice any skin lumps or bumps, you may want to check right away, especially if you’ve just finished your daily walk.

How Can I Safely Remove Ticks?

One important note you should always remember is that you should never pull ticks away from your dog’s fur or coat immediately. Their legs are somewhat latched to your dog’s coat, and their blood can even cause certain infections or disease in dogs. Luckily for pet parents, there are several tick removal devices available in the market today. One famous tool is your common brush. Just run it through your dog’s body and it should fall of right away. Another known tick removal tool are fine tipped tweezers. Just be careful not to really apply force when pulling the tick out, and be mindful of possibly pulling out fur as well. Once you are successful in getting rid of the tick, cure and clean potential tick bites by gently cleaning the affected area with water and soap, and feel free to repeat as necessary.

The Wrap Up: Prevent Your Dog From Getting Ticks

A variety of tick treatment is also made readily available, such as collars or tablets. For the most common cases of tick problems, chances are you can deal with it by yourself. But for much more serious cases, it’s always best to seek help from your licensed professional or your trusted veterinarian.

 

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