Ticks hide in specific places on your dog's body, and knowing where to look saves your pet from disease. A thorough tick check takes just minutes and protects against Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-borne illnesses.
Dogs pick up ticks in tall grass, wooded areas, and brush. After outdoor time, run your hands over your dog's entire body. Pay special attention to nine high-risk zones where ticks cluster.
Start with the head and ears. Ticks burrow into ear flaps and around the hairline. Check between the toes and paw pads next. These warm, moist areas attract ticks like magnets. Move to the armpits and groin, where skin folds create ideal hiding spots.
Examine the chest, belly, and back legs thoroughly. Ticks attach to any exposed skin, but they prefer protected areas where your dog cannot easily scratch them off. The tail base and the entire length of the tail require attention too. Smaller ticks often go unnoticed in fur.
The neck and collar area deserve a close look. Check under any collar your dog wears regularly. Ticks also hide in skin folds around the rear end.
When you find a tick, remove it promptly and correctly. Grasp the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Pull straight out with steady pressure. Never twist or jerk. Dispose of the tick in alcohol or a sealed container. Clean the bite area with antiseptic.
Daily tick checks work best during peak season, roughly March through November in most regions. Some ticks transmit disease within 24 hours of attachment, so early removal prevents infection. Ask your veterinarian about tick prevention products like oral medications, spot-on treatments, or collars suited to your dog's age and weight.
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