Ticks do not bite the moment they land — they crawl to warm, hidden spots first, which gives you a window to find them. A quick, methodical check after every walk is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent tick-borne disease.
Where ticks hide
Run your fingers slowly through the coat and feel for small bumps. Pay special attention to the ears and inside the ear flaps, around and under the collar, in the armpits, between the toes, around the groin, and under the tail. Long-coated dogs need a more careful search because ticks disappear into the fur.
Removing a tick safely
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool, not your fingers.
- Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight up with steady, even pressure — do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts behind.
- Do not burn it, smother it in oil, or crush it — these methods make the tick regurgitate into the wound, raising infection risk.
- Clean the bite with antiseptic and wash your hands.
After removal
Note the date. Watch the bite site and your dog for the next few weeks. Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, pale gums or lameness can all signal a tick-borne infection and warrant a same-day vet visit. When tick numbers are high, talk to your vet about the right preventive for your area.
