If your dogs spend time outdoors, they might come across ticks. These tiny, blood-sucking parasites pose serious health risks, latching on unnoticed and causing a variety of diseases.
What makes ticks particularly troublesome is their stealth. They are challenging to spot as they hide in areas such as under your dog’s collar, between their toes, or near their ears. If not detected and removed promptly, a tick bite can lead to infections and more complications.
What are Ticks?
Ticks are external parasites that survive by sucking blood from hosts, including dogs. Their specially designed mouthparts allow them to pierce a dog’s skin and remain attached without falling off.
Once latched on, they can stay for days and feed on your dog’s blood. During this time, they can transmit diseases through their saliva as they feed.
Ticks are common in grassy, wooded, brushy, or shaded environments. They wait on blades of grass or low shrubs to latch onto a passing host. Even well-kept suburban areas, parks, or backyards can harbor ticks.
These parasites are generally more active during the warmer months. In areas with warm climates, dogs are at risk of ticks year-round. This means that preventive measures and precautions should always be observed.
Common Types of Ticks on Dogs
Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
The brown dog tick thrives in warm climates and can be found both indoors and outdoors, hiding in cracks, furniture, and dog bedding. This parasite is notorious for its ability to infest homes and kennels, making it a common problem for dog owners.
American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)
The American dog tick is typically found in grassy areas, pathwalks, and recreational areas. It can cause irritation and is a vector for rocky mountain spotted fever.
Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis)
The deer tick, otherwise known as the black-legged tick, is primarily found in wooded and brushy areas. While less common than the brown dog tick, it can pose serious health risks and is also the primary carrier of Lyme disease.
The Life Cycle of Ticks
Ticks have a four-stage life cycle. Each stage involves a blood meal from a host to progress to the next phase:
Eggs
Female ticks lay thousands of eggs in select outdoor areas, such as leaf litter or grass. These eggs hatch into larvae.
Larva
Larvae are tiny and have six legs. They seek small hosts, like rodents or birds, to feed on for their first blood meal.
Nymph
After their first meal, larvae molt into nymphs, gaining an additional pair of legs. Nymphs seek larger hosts, such as dogs, for their next meal.
Adult
Once fully grown, adult ticks attach to larger hosts like dogs or deer to feed, mate, and reproduce.
Common Diseases Caused by Ticks on Dogs
Ticks do more than just cause simple pain and discomfort. These parasites can pave the way for a lot more serious concerns. Here are the common diseases caused by ticks on dogs:
Lyme Disease
This disease can cause joint pain, shifting lameness, fever, and fatigue. Borrelia burgdorferi is the main culprit transmitted by deer ticks. If untreated, it may lead to lameness, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Ehrlichiosis
Caused by Ehrlichia bacteria and spread by brown dog ticks, Ehrlichiosis affects the white blood cells, leading to fever, weight loss, lethargy, and bleeding disorders. Chronic infections can result in anemia and long-term immune suppression.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
American dog ticks are the primary carriers of Rickettsia rickettsia, which can cause neurological issues, lethargy, and difficulty moving. If left untreated, this can lead to death.
Babesiosis
This disease, caused by Babesia gibsoni and Babesia vogeli, is transmitted by brown dog ticks that destroy red blood cells. Symptoms include anemia, pale gums, weakness, and weight loss.
What are the Signs of Ticks on Dogs?
Ticks can be difficult to spot, especially if your dog has a thick or dark coat. However, some tick bite symptoms in dogs can be a giveaway.
Dark Spots and Enlarged Ticks. Before feeding, ticks are small and flat, appearing as dark or reddish-brown specks on your dog’s skin. These tiny parasites are often mistaken for dirt or small scabs. After feeding for several days, they swell dramatically and become much easier to spot.
Movable Lumps. Ticks on dogs can feel like small, hard lumps whenever you run your hands across your best friend's body. These lumps might also move slightly when touched. These are particularly easy to feel on short-haired dogs or areas with less fur coverage, such as the belly or ears.
Excessive Scratching or Chewing. Another common sign of ticks on dogs is an increase in scratching or chewing. This is due to the constant discomfort from having the ticks on their bodies. You may also notice them rubbing against furniture or the floor more than usual.
Frequent Head Shaking. Frequent head shaking and tilting are also other signs. The ticks might be on the area around the ears, leading dogs to try to shake off the discomfort. In severe cases, the constant irritation can result in redness, swelling, or secondary infections of the ears.
Restlessness or Irritability. Dogs with ticks can experience constant discomfort, which means they'll be restless and irritable. You'll notice this when they lose interest in playing, appear distraught, or hide in areas where they can be alone. This also includes pacing and whining,
Redness and Swelling. A tick bite can cause redness and swelling in the areas where it resides. This is due to the body's response to the saliva injected by the tick, which then makes it prone to secondary infections.
Scabs or Crusts. Persistent scratching or irritation can lead to scabbing or the formation of crusts at the bite site. These may become painful or infected if left untreated.
Hair Loss. Excessive licking, chewing, or scratching around a tick bite can result in localized bald spots. This is especially common in areas like the ears, neck, and tail, where ticks often latch on.
Secondary Infections. Open wounds caused by scratching or tick bites can bring secondary infections, leading to redness, swelling, and oozing. Infected areas may also develop a foul odor.
How are Ticks on Dogs Diagnosed?
Spotting ticks on dogs is straightforward when they are visibly attached. You can do it yourself at home, or you can have our pet dermatologists take a look at your dog’s coat. Here’s how to diagnose ticks on dogs:
Physical Examination
Regularly inspect your dog’s skin and fur for attached ticks. Run your hands along their body to feel for small, hard bumps, and check common hiding spots like the ears, between toes, under the collar, and around the tail base.
If ticks are suspected but not found, we can perform a detailed physical examination of your dog’s coat. We’ll check any signs of swelling, irritation, infection, or localized allergic reactions caused by tick saliva.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are another diagnostic tool we use to diagnose tick-borne diseases. They detect specific antibodies, pathogens, or blood cell changes caused by the infection. Thus, we can determine if your dog has been exposed to ticks.
How to Remove Ticks from Dogs?
Removing ticks is an important step in treatment and helps relieve your dog's irritation and discomfort. Here’s how to do it effectively.
Gather Tools
Use tweezers that have a fine point or a tick removal tool, gloves, antiseptic, and a sealed bag for tick disposal.
Locate the Tick
Check common areas like the ears, between toes, under the collar, and around the tail base.
Remove the Tick
Use the tick removal tool to grasp it close to your dog’s skin and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick’s body.
Clean the Bite Area
Disinfect the site with a pet-safe antiseptic to prevent infection.
Dispose of the Tick
Seal it in a bag or flush it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your bare hands.
What are the Available Tick Treatments for Dogs?
There are many options available to help treat and prevent your dog’s tick infestation. With proper use and regular application, your dog will be protected. These tick medications are readily available at our vet pharmacy.
Topical Spot-On Treatments
Topical treatments are liquid medications applied to your dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades or along the back. They provide targeted protection against ticks by repelling and killing them.
Spot-on treatments spread across your dog’s skin and coat, creating a protective barrier that kills ticks on contact or shortly after attachment. Popular options include Bravecto, Frontline Plus, and K9 Advantix II.
Oral Medications
Oral tick medications are chewable tablets or pills that kill ticks once they bite and feed on your dog. These treatments are systemic, meaning they work from within the dog’s bloodstream, targeting ticks quickly and efficiently. Popular ones include Bravecto and Nexgard.
Tick Collars
Tick collars use chemicals that repel and kill ticks. These are worn around the dog’s neck and can provide long-term protection. Make sure you choose a comfortable collar for your dog, as this collar will be worn for a long time.
Medicated Shampoos
Medicated shampoos and sprays kill ticks on contact and can be used as a supplementary treatment. These products target ticks already on the dog’s coat, providing immediate relief by killing them during the bath or spray application.
How to Prevent Ticks on Dogs?
Preventing ticks on dogs requires a mix of consistent care, environmental awareness, and the right preventive products.
Use Tick Preventives
Your dog should be on a monthly tick preventive all year long. You can take your pick from topical treatments, oral tablets, and tick collars.
Check Your Dog After Every Walk
After having time outside, it’s good practice to inspect your dog’s ears, belly, neck, and paws for any ticks. Feel for any small bumps and look for dark specks.
Clean Outdoor Spaces
If you have a yard or garden, it’s important to keep the grass short, trim the bushes, and remove leaf litter. These are areas where ticks can hide and latch onto your dogs.
“Protecting your dog from ticks isn’t seasonal, it’s a year-round responsibility of keeping them safe and itch-free.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Conclusion
The presence of ticks on dogs creates an annoying problem for you and your best friend. By learning everything about these parasites, knowing the steps to take, and providing all the preventive treatments, you’ll be able to help your dog feel comfortable and happy.
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