Ticks on Dogs: Symptoms, Safe Removal, and Prevention

Ticks are one of those dog-owner nightmares that seem to show up out of nowhere. One post-walk cuddle or belly rub is all it takes to spot a suspicious bump, and suddenly you’re wondering if it’s a scab, a bite, or a tick already latched on. Find out how to identify and remove ticks on dogs and prevent tick infestations.
Because dogs spend so much time outdoors, it’s possible that your dog will come in contact with ticks at some point. The best way to protect your pet is to learn how to prevent, identify, and treat ticks on dogs.

Warning, this blog might make you feel a serious case of... I believe the technical term is - the heebie-jeebies!

Ticks are small parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of animals, including dogs and humans. Because they attach and feed for hours or even days, they can transmit diseases if not removed quickly.

Ticks aren't just a warm-weather issue. It's not uncommon for ticks to stay active in temperatures as low as 4-5°C. Spring and summer are the peak seasons, but fall and even warm winter months can still carry some risk.

The process for removing a tick isn’t overly complicated, but they can transmit diseases to dogs, so it’s important to monitor the tick bite site and know when it becomes troublesome.

This article will walk you through identifying what a tick bite looks like on a dog, complications from tick bites, how to treat them, and how to prevent them.  We’ll even go over the best products for treating and preventing ticks so your dog can live his best, healthiest, tick-free life!

How to Check Your Dog for Ticks

Ticks are in your dog's environment; there is no doubt about that, and no way to avoid them completely. The best way to help your dog combat ticks is to routinely check them for tick activity. 

After walks and other outdoor adventures, get into the practice of checking the areas of their body that ticks latch on. This means paws, legs, bellies, back end, tails, and ears. 

Grab a brush or a pet wipe to quickly go over these areas and look for any ticks in the fur or latched onto the skin. For thicker-coated breeds, make sure you get right down to the skin where ticks are more likely to be.

5 Signs of Tick Activity on Dogs

Catching ticks early is going to prevent larger infestations. Regular grooming routines can help you catch ticks and tick bites before they worsen. However, identifying dog tick activity isn’t always obvious, especially for dogs with thick undercoats or dogs with allergies that already have skin and coat issues. 

Still, it’s important to look out for all of the signs of ticks and other pests, like fleas on dogs, mosquito bites on dogs, and even dog lice. If you start seeing the following symptoms, your dog may have a tick somewhere on their body:

1. Licking And Chewing

Dogs often lick and chew at a particular area on their body where the tick is located. If your dog already has this habit due to other skin and coat issues, you may find it difficult to differentiate, but keep an eye out for excessive itching in a specific area.

2. Red, Inflamed Skin

Ticks can sometimes cause the skin around the embedded tick to become inflamed, red, and swollen. If you see anything that looks like a rash, even if you don’t see a bite mark in the middle, it’s best to investigate the cause.

3. Scabs

Scabs can indicate a tick embedded in your dog's skin, especially if they occur randomly without any other injury. Once fully embedded, your dog’s skin will heal over, leaving a scab or dry, scaly skin. Look and feel the area to see if a lump or dark spot indicates a tick's presence.

4. Head-Shaking

Dogs sometimes get ticks in their ear canal, or a tick may latch onto the outer flap of the ear.  Ticks on a dog's ears can be annoying for the dog and may cause them to shake their heads to get rid of the tick.

5. Head-Shaking

Noticeable changes to your dog's activity, lameness, and other extreme reactions can be a sign of a serious infestation or a disease. Lyme disease, anemia, and dog tick paralysis are all possible complications of ticks.

What Does a Tick Look Like on a Dog?

How can you spot a tick bite on your dog? This is a common question for dog owners who want to do everything they can to keep their favourite furry friend happy and healthy. It’s important to be able to identify ticks and tick bites on dogs so that you can treat your dog in a timely fashion. 

Ticks, unlike smaller pests, can be fairly easy to spot if you know what to look for. Ticks are large enough that you can see them latched onto your dog's skin. Look for a small brownish or reddish lump protruding from your dog's skin, or look for unusual dark spots on the skin. 

Dogs with longer fur need to be checked more thoroughly, as the ticks can hide in thicker fur. While tick bites tend to focus on easy-to-reach areas, like the face, ears, neck, paws, and belly, ticks can bite your dog just about anywhere.

Tick Bite on Dog, but No Tick Found

It’s common to find random bite marks on your dog but not see any actual ticks. If you notice red raised bumps on your dog, especially if they are itchy or scabby, it's a sign that a tick might have been snacking on your dog. Ticks on dogs are fairly large compared to other pests, so the bites can be substantial.  

Ticks burrow, so the bite may have a visible entry point and have dried blood covering it.

While wound and infection treatments can help reduce itchiness and discomfort around the bite site, it’s still advised to have your vet check the wound to ensure the tick didn’t pass on any serious bacteria or diseases.

Embedded Tick on Dogs

Sometimes you’ll find a live tick on your dog. If the tick has been on your dog for a while, it will appear light brown or grey and might look bloated from feeding on your dog’s blood. This is called an engorged tick on dogs.  

Ticks are most commonly found near a dog’s head, neck, ears, and creases under their legs, but they can latch on to just about anywhere on your dog's body. Here are some of the most common and most painful places that you might find ticks on your dog:

Ticks on Dog Ears

Ticks love dog ears because the skin is thinner and the blood vessels are very close to the surface, making them prime real estate for a tick feast. Ticks on a dog's ears are particularly painful, and your dog will likely react strongly to these pests.

Ticks on Dog Paws

Ticks on a dog's paws can happen, too. Your dog's paws and legs are low-hanging fruit for ticks hiding in the grass. These can be most uncomfortable, as the ticks find the delicate skin between the toes and pads, making walking quite painful.

Ticks on Dog Belly

Your dog's belly is vulnerable to many pests. There is less fur on the belly, groin, and armpit areas, making it easy for ticks to latch onto the soft skin. Ticks on these sensitive areas can be quite uncomfortable, making walking, sitting, and lying uncomfortable.

Most people only find a tick when it has already been attached or locked onto the dog to feed on blood.  But it’s important to know that ticks don’t just stay in one place- they often move around the dog’s body to search for the best place to bite and feed on blood.

One of the reasons tick bites on dogs sometimes go unnoticed is that ticks like to burrow under the skin to feed. In cases like these, an embedded tick can often be confused for a cyst or a small skin lump.

Embedded ticks may be partially or completely embedded in your dog’s skin. In some cases, the ticks die while feeding, and you may find a dried, dead black tick on a dog. When embedded fully, ticks on dogs may need to be removed by your vet.

If you find an embedded tick under a dog's skin, removing it quickly but correctly is important. Find out more about how to remove ticks later on in this article.

How Long Do Ticks Stay on Dogs?

There are many factors that dictate how long a tick will stay attached to your dog. First and foremost is external interference. If your dog is scratching or licking, he may dislodge the tick if he’s lucky.

Unfortunately, ticks are good at hanging on, especially once they have embedded themselves in the skin. Most ticks, given the opportunity, will feed as long as they can, reproduce, and then repeat. 

Though it’s uncommon, ticks can continue this cycle for months, even years, if they find the right environment. That’s why it’s important to be able to identify and treat tick infestations to stop this cycle. Fast tick removal is important to keep your dog safe.

If you notice any tick activity on your dog, past or present, you should do a full-body check for other bite marks or pest infestations and then call your vet. Ticks can carry bacteria and diseases, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

How to Remove a Tick From a Dog Safely 

If you find a tick on your dog, it’s usually already attached to the skin. Removing an embedded tick properly is important to reduce irritation and lower the risk of infection or disease transmission.

To help you properly remove ticks, here are a few tips: 

How to Remove an Embedded Tick from a Dog

1. Grab a pair of tweezers. Ideally, ones specifically designed for tick removal, but any fine-tipped tweezers you have on hand will do in a pinch.

2. Next, grab the tick as close to your dog's body as you can with the tweezers, applying gentle pressure. If possible, you want to get a good hold but not squish the pest.

Crushing the tick will release any toxins directly into your dog's open wound. This increases the chance of infection or irritation. 

3. With light pressure, pull the tick straight out, at the same angle that it burrowed in, if possible. Avoid twisting or tilting the tweezers to ensure the whole tick removal tool comes out in one go. 

4. Sometimes, the head and mouth won't release from the body. If the head or mouth is visible at the surface of the skin, you can reach in with the tweezers and attempt to remove it, but if the leftover parts are embedded below the skin, do not try to pry, cut, or squeeze them out.

This could lead to further irritation. Instead, let the wound heal with the pieces left behind. Your dog's immune system will dispose of the organic debris as the wound heals.

5. Clean the wound with a pet-safe antiseptic. Iodine or Neosporin can be used to disinfect, but be careful of your dog licking the area. Other, more natural treatments can be used to keep the wound clean and allow for healing. We'll talk about some of these treatment options in the next section.

6. Keep an eye on the bite site while it heals. Call your vet if you see signs of infection.

Once the tick is removed, place it in a sealed plastic bag or a jar of alcohol and call your vet for inspection and identification. Upon tick inspection, your veterinarian may recommend blood testing to look for tick-borne disease.

If your dog acts lethargic, spikes a fever, or experiences other uncharacteristic symptoms, the vet may give antibiotics for several weeks.  This should help your dog feel better in several days.  Further management will be given if necessary, and full recovery will depend on the severity of the damage.

 Of course, you want to get rid of ticks on your dog, which is an important part of treating ticks, but you’ll also want to immediately address any health problems that a tick can cause in your dog.

Once removed, don’t crush the tick. Instead, place it in a sealed container or submerge it in rubbing alcohol to prevent it from escaping or reattaching. 

Best Products to Get Rid of Ticks on Dogs

What can kill ticks on dogs? When deciding on the best tick prevention, it is important to consider what you are using tick prevention for and what ingredients you want in your dog's product.  There are many great products on the market that use gentle ingredients while protecting your dog from tick bites. Here are a few of our favourite products for tick prevention in Canada:

1. Tropiclean Flea & Tick Shampoo

This long-lasting and fast-acting pest control shampoo is suitable for dogs and cats. It kills off several different species of ticks.

• • • • This effective shampoo has been enriched with gentle ingredients, such as coconut and oatmeal, which are soothing and generally safe for sensitive skin
      • Cleans and conditions the pet's fur, leaving them feeling soft, clean, and fresh
      • Zodiac recommends repeating use every month for residual problems and weekly for more severe flea situations

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

For a more natural solution for mild tick infestations, apple cider vinegar can be used to scare off these annoying pests. Applying a diluted apple cider vinegar mixture topically will make a less hospitable environment for ticks that have already set up shop on your dog’s skin.

It may even help loosen some of the embedded ticks on your dog, allowing you to remove them safely with tweezers. So while this solution won’t kill the ticks, it can help to evict them.

Check out the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs to learn more about this natural and versatile supplement.

Treating Tick Bites on Dogs After Tick Removal

Once you've removed the tick, the bite mark left behind is still going to be a nuisance for your dog while it heals. Properly treating the bite wound can help to prevent infection and soothe discomfort, like itching or swelling. Here are a few products that can help to heal your dog's skin:

1. Vetricyn

This topical spray is a gentle but effective skin care treatment that supports the skin's natural defences by cleaning and promoting healing. It contains no alcohol or steroids and is even safe to use around sensitive areas like the eyes and mouth.

• • • Cleans the affected skin
    • Non-irritating formula
    • Promotes healthy tissue on compromised skin
    • Available in 90 or 500 ml spray

2. Thrive Silver Shield

Historically, silver has been praised for its healing properties since the ancient Greek and Roman Empires. Its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties make it an ideal disinfectant solution. 

• • • • Support wound healing
      • Eliminates bacterial and viral organisms
      • Safe to ingest
      • 200 ml spray bottle

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another natural antibacterial and antifungal ingredient that can be helpful for healing wounds and infections. Extra virgin coconut oil is safe for use in dogs and cats, both topically and internally.

• • • • Lotion-like consistency makes it easy to apply
      • Helps disinfect and heal wounds, hot spots, and bug bites
      • Soothes itch and reduces inflammation

Check out The Benefits of Coconut Oil for more uses of this natural healing food.

4. Tropiclean OxyMed Medicated Oatmeal Treatment 

This is a fast-acting itch-relieving conditioner. This medicated soap-free formula includes Salicylic Acid, which stops itching and helps heal all common skin problems. 

• • • • Ultra-soothing medicated conditioner
      • Stops itching, controls flaking
      • For dogs & cats, all breeds
      • 592 ml (20 oz) bottle

Can Ticks Make Dogs Sick?

Although not common, ticks can cause complications in dogs, mostly through the spread of disease. Here are a few of the very serious potential complications from tick bites on dogs:

Dog Tick Diseases

Ticks are super-spreaders of many diseases in dogs. Some disease symptoms start long after the tick has been gone. They don’t present themselves until months after the tick bite. Symptoms may include tiredness, shifting lameness, pale gums, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Canine Ehrlichiosis

Caused by many species of ticks, this disease presents as a fever, poor appetite, low blood platelets, nose bleeding, bruising, and anemia. Signs start about 1 to 3 weeks after the bite of an infected tick. Prompt treatment is key. Dogs diagnosed and treated quickly have a very good prognosis, but those who go on to the chronic phase have a great deal more difficulty recovering.

Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that can be passed to dogs, humans, and other mammals through certain species of ticks. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, carried inside a tick and transmitted through a tick bite.

Lyme disease commonly mimics symptoms of other dog conditions, so getting your dog tested by your vet early is vital.

Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can then travel to different parts of the body and cause problems in different organs or locations, such as joints. It can also cause overall illness. The earlier you can diagnose the disease, the easier it is to treat.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs

Though Lyme Disease from tick bites on dogs is not common, it's still important to recognize the signs your dog has a tick. Even if you don't find ticks or tick bites on dogs, you should still keep an eye out for signs of Lyme disease.

• • • Bullseye tick bite on dog - A red dot bite with a red ring around it is a common sign of Lyme disease in dogs.
    • Loss of Appetite - Avoiding food or refusing to eat is a good way to tell if your dog is not feeling well. Look for any major changes in your dog's eating habits.
    • Swollen joints - Swelling in your dog's joints can lead to lameness and other mobility issues.
    • Low energy or lethargy - Look for signs of abnormal laziness, additional sleep, or depression in your dog.
    • Fever - A normal temperature for dogs is between 101 and 102.5, so if your dog's temperature exceeds 103, you should call your vet.

The earlier Lyme Disease is caught, the easier it is to treat. You may see symptoms of Lyme disease in your pet, but a proper diagnosis from a vet is the first step to recovery.

If you find any symptoms of disease in your dog, even if you can't find a bug bite or embedded tick on the dog, talk to your vet immediately.

How Do Dogs Get Ticks?

Ticks can’t jump, so they typically attach themselves to tall grass and other elevated platforms so that they can opportunistically latch onto your dog or any other mammal that is unfortunate enough to pass by. 

When a host passes by, the tick climbs on and attaches to the skin.  The tick may feed for several hours to days and won’t detach until it has had its fill! (Yuck!)

This is bad news for your dog.  Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce the chances of a tick making a home on your furbaby.  You can prevent ticks by using natural tick remedies to keep your dog safe and healthy.

Types of Ticks in Canada

Canada is home to many types of ticks, with the four most common types being:

• • Deer ticks
  • Brown dog ticks
  • American dog ticks
  • Rocky Mountain wood ticks

These common tick species usually reside in wooded areas, shrubs, or tall grass, where they wait for prospective hosts. 

Heavily forested areas and grasslands may have the densest population of ticks, so activities like hiking and camping with dogs will require extra precautions to safeguard your pet and yourself from these pests. What to put on a tick bite on a dog?

That being said, ticks can survive in various environments, and that tall grass at your neighbourhood park could also be hosting some unwanted bloodsuckers.

Can Dog Ticks Get on Humans?

In addition to being both a nuisance and a hazard for your dog, ticks love human blood, too. A tick-infested dog will increase the chances of one of those pesky intruders jumping onto you for a snack. 

This puts you at risk for many of the same tick risks and diseases as your pooch. Dealing with your dog’s tick problem quickly and using the right preventative measures will help keep them and you safe.

Tick Prevention for Dogs

Prevention is always the best policy. Regular treatments to ward off ticks and other pests will be the safest way to protect your pet from infestations. Here are a few products that can help you do that. 

1. Elanco Advantix II Tropical Flea and Tick Treatment

This is a once-a-month, easy-to-use topical treatment specifically designed to prevent tick infestation or to help control a tick infestation. 

• • • • Vet recommended 
      • Kills ticks at all life cycles and stages 
      • Starts to work 12 hours after application 
      • Protects your dog for up to a month 
      • Fragrance-free and waterproof for 24 hours after application 
      • Suitable only for dogs

2. Baie Run Diatomaceous Earth

This is a natural way to help control pests that are bothering your pet. Diatomaceous earth, also known as silicon dioxide, is an odourless and non-staining powder made from fossilized aquatic organisms. 

This works by coating infested areas with the powder. When ticks and other insects crawl over the fine powder, it pierces their exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die. 

• • • • The diatomaceous earth remains effective for as long as it is present and dry
      • Safe to use at all life stages
      • Available in 120g container
      • Made in Canada

3. Citrobug Insect Hunt

This is a top-rated, easy-to-use spray bottle with 100 percent natural ingredients that protect your best friend from ticks and other pesky critters. 

• • • • Made from essential oils such as camphor, pine needles, and geranium
      • 100% natural ingredients- Uses no deet, paraben, or harmful ingredients
      • Suitable for all dog breeds and horses - Not suitable for cats or other animals
      • Available for 125 ml and 1-litre bottles
      • Made in Quebec, Canada

4. Avoid Ticks

While this may not be the ideal solution based on your activities and neighbourhood, avoiding tall grass, wooded areas, and bushes and shrubs can limit your dog’s exposure to ticks. Paved walking trails, sidewalks, and grassy areas that are routinely landscaped are going to be better. 

This may not always be possible and is not a foolproof solution, so other preventative measures are recommended. 

Tick Every Box

Keeping your pooch safe from the dangers of ticks doesn’t have to be hard. With the right prevention methods and the knowledge to identify and treat dog tick infestations, your pup can get back to his favourite outdoor activities.

In most cases, your dog will be fine after a tick bite. They are very common. However, they can lead to a lot of complications. You can reduce your dog’s chance of being bitten by ticks using regular tick treatments and by checking your dog thoroughly after playing outside or walking. 

Tick prevention in dogs requires multiple steps:

• • • Check for ticks after outdoor activities
    • Use preventative topical treatments
    • Avoid areas with high tick activity
    • Keep an eye out for signs of ticks on your dog
    • Remove ticks as soon as you spot them
    • Disinfect any and all bug bites
    • Check with your vet

Using some of our recommended products drastically reduces the chance of your dog getting a tick in the first place, and this blog should give you the information you need to deal with ticks should they lay claim to your dog.

As a result, you’ll save not only time and money but also the very health of your favourite furry friend. 

FAQs About Dog Ticks

What are ticks, and why are they a concern for dogs?

Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of animals, such as dogs. They are a concern because they can transmit various diseases to dogs, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

How do I check my dog for ticks?

To check your dog for ticks, run your hands over their entire body, feeling for small, raised bumps. Pay close attention to areas like the ears, neck, between the toes, and under the tail, as ticks often attach in these areas.

What should I do if I find a tick on my dog?

If you find a tick on your dog, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick's head as close to the skin as possible. Gently pull upward with steady pressure to remove the tick and avoid twisting or crushing the tick.

Can dogs get sick from tick bites?

Yes, dogs can get sick from tick bites. Ticks can transmit various diseases, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.

How can I prevent ticks from infesting my dog?

You can prevent tick infestations by using tick prevention products recommended by your veterinarian, such as topical treatments, collars, or oral medications.

When should I seek veterinary care if my dog has a tick bite?

If you notice any signs of illness in your dog after a tick bite, such as lethargy, fever, lameness, or loss of appetite, seek veterinary care.