How to Check Your Dog for Ticks

How to check for one of the most common parasites affecting our lovable canines: ticks! I recommend doing a full body tick check once per day. If you live in an area where ticks are more prevalent, or are in the process of eliminating an infestation, I recommend performing this tick check after every outdoor session. This article is intended to assist you in identifying a tick on your dog's body. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE ANY TICK without seeking professional help. Improper removal of ticks can create significant health risks not only for your dog, but for you as well.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A dog
• 5 minutes
• A flashlight (optional)

1. With your dog standing comfortably, sit down beside your dog.

2. Start at the base of your dog's tail and gently move your fingers in a quick massaging motion up your dog's back to the back of your dog's head. Be sure that your fingertips are in constant, gentle contact with your dog's skin. Repeat 3 - 5 times. Note any abnormal "bumps" in the skin. Part the hair at these bumps to visually distinguish between ticks and other common skin ailments such as scabs or cysts.

3. Starting at the base of your dog's tail, run your fingers down the back of your dog's legs, making sure your fingers maintain contact with the skin. Also check the inside of your dog's back legs. This tends to be one of the hairiest places on a dog, so be sure you're really against the skin and not just pushing against hair. Repeat 2 - 3 times per leg.

4. Gently check the tail for any more "bumps". Be careful here, as many dogs' tails are extra sensitive. Repeat 1 - 2 times. The parting of hair on the tail may be more agitating to your dog than in other areas on the body.

5. Check your dog's head. Run your fingers along the natural pathways of your dog's head: from the nose up between the eyes; from below the jawbone up to the snout. Keep double-checking any abnormal "bumps". It is amazing how some ticks can hide in plain sight, like the top of a dog's head. Check thoroughly!

6. Check inside the ears. Don't be afraid to manipulate your dog's ears to get a better view. Fold the ears back, if they are floppy. The tips of the ears are hairier, and ticks will hide there. Part the hair, touch the skin. The inside of a dog's ear is heaven for ticks. Gently pull the ear outwards to expose more of the ear canal. The use of a light may aid in seeing deeper in. If you are unsure about what you are seeing, STOP and consult a professional (i.e. Your vet or your groomer). Do not attempt to put ANYTHING into your dog's ears.

7. Check behind the ears. Run your fingers around the shape of your dog's ears and around to the back of the head. Repeat 4 - 6 times. This is a tick's favorite hiding spot, and generally the hairiest place on your dog, so spend a little extra time here.

8. Check your dog's armpits. Another favorite hiding spot, the folds of skin offer natural protection for ticks. Firmly run your fingers in and around your dog's armpits. Repeat at least 5 times. It is okay to be a little firmer here in order to get all the way up there.

9. Check your dog's ribcage area. A gentle circular motion will be enjoyable for your dog and assist you in covering as much space as possible. There is a lot of surface area here, so thoroughly check both sides with 10 or more circles.

10. Check between the toes - ALL OF THEM. Don't forget those dewclaws (if your dog still has them). Pick up the feet. Spread the toes as wide as you can without causing any discomfort in your dog. Run your finger up between the toes. This is an easy place to overlook any ticks, as there are natural features that can affect your visibility. Don't forget to check between the pads of each foot, too.

Tips & Warnings

• None of your movements should be uncomfortable for your dog. Most dogs will enjoy being looked over for ticks, if done with a gentle, "massaging" technique. If your dog appears uncomfortable, lighten up the pressure or stop.
• A second person may be necessary at first to help get your dog used to being touched in various spots. Remember, keep the treats coming to keep it positive!
• Any tick bite can be potentially life-threatening. If you are not sure how to proceed once you identify a tick on your dog, seek professional help. Contact your vet or your local groomer for extra assistance.
• Do not attempt to touch your dog in areas they are not ready to be touched. Many dogs will have a quick bite response to being touched on the tail, the back of the legs, or the feet. Be sure you know your dog and your dog's limits.

[FrazzledNanny]

on 2/6/2009 Thanks for the tips on checking your dog for ticks. We now live on a mountain so there are a lot of opportunities for our dogs to ge ticks. 5*