How to Detect Ticks on Dogs
Ticks carry a variety of diseases that can be dangerous for your dog. Preventing ticks from attaching themselves to your dog is important, but may not be possible all of the time. Detecting ticks and safely removing them may still help your dog--the tick may not have been attached long enough to spread infection. If your dog spends time outdoors, especially in wooded areas, you should check your dog for ticks every day. The process is not quick but the more you do it, the less time it will take.
Instructions
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Hold the dog still, if possible. If your dog is hyper, give her a light massage if that will calm her down. If there is someone who can assist you, have that person help you hold the dog.
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Start checking around the dog's muzzle and ears. Use your gloved fingers to lightly touch the dog's skin beneath the fur and feel for any bumps. Some ticks are very small, so take your time. Check behind the ears, near the nape of the neck and under the chin as ticks like these areas.
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Work your way down to checking the dog's forelegs. If your dog will lie on its side or back for this, it will be easier to check her. Rub the dog's skin along the stomach and the back (include the rear area as well). Don't forget to check the dog's armpits--ticks enjoy warm areas.
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Feel for any bumps or lumps. If you do feel a protrusion, stop and part the hair. Ticks are usually round and are black or brown when filling with blood, but some are gray. Use a magnifying glass if you aren't sure. Ticks attach themselves at the head to the skin of your dog. When feeding, the tick's abdomen becomes bloated. Be careful not to squeeze too hard and break open the blood-filled sac. If you do find a tick, remove the insect--with head and abdomen intact--by gently pulling it out with tweezers.
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Tips & Warnings
The sooner you get a tick off your dog, the better the chance it will not develop illness as result of the tick. According to dogsandticks.com, ticks must be embedded at least 24 hours before infection is transmitted.
Bestfriendspetcare.com recommends flushing ticks down the toilet and advises never to throw them in the trash as they may still be alive and can reattach to another animal.
