All The Places You Should Be Checking For Ticks On Your Dog

Throughout the United States, ticks are a threat that both humans and pets alike face each year.
Whether you take your dog for a hike in the woods, a walk down the beach, or even a stroll through your neighborhood, these parasites may sit on nearby shrubs and tall grasses. Then, when your dog trots by, they attach.
Aside from simply being a gross thought, ticks are also dangerous. These bloodsuckers can carry various deadly diseases, some of which have no cure.
For instance, once a tick has been attached for around 48 hours, it could transmit Lyme disease or cause an infection.
That’s why prevention is key for keeping your pup safe. You should speak with your veterinarian to determine the best methods based on your dog’s breed, age, habits, and geographical location.
Additionally, you should actively check your pet for ticks whenever you get back from spending time outside. All you have to do is run your hands through their fur and feel for any small bumps.
If you spot the parasite, you can even remove it at home using fine-point tweezers or a tick removal hook. You just have to safely remove the entire tick, including the head.
If you aren’t confident doing this, don’t worry because your vet can help. However, since ticks can be tough to spot, it’s important to know all the regions to check your pup.
Where To Check Your Dog For Ticks

Ann Lillie – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual dog
First up is the head and ears. Think back to your last walk: your dog was probably sniffing around and poking its head into all kinds of greenery. Plus, there are so many little crevices in and around your pet’s ears, making it a great hiding spot for ticks.
As you check this area, examine both around the ears and inside. Also, a behavioral sign to look out for is your dog scratching at their ears or shaking their head.
Next is between the toe pads, a warm area that’s perfect for ticks to tuck themselves away in. Sometimes, the parasites even attach to the bottom of the foot. If you catch your dog chewing or licking their feet, you should take a peek and inspect for ticks.
Tails are hotspots for ticks as well since they’re moist, dark, and less frequently checked by pet owners. If your pup has thick fur, be sure to come through their tail regularly with a fine comb. Ticks can attach themselves near the base of the tail, where they may go undetected for a while.
Sometimes, ticks are missed near dog eyelids, too, because they can look like eye discharge or skin tags. In these instances, once pet owners realize the bump is actually a tick, it’s usually been attached for a long time. So, you should thoroughly inspect your pup’s eyelids and the surrounding region to be certain.
Two more common areas that ticks attach are under the collar and under the arms.
Many pups are never without their collars, which is a good thing. You always want to have identification on your pet. However, this means it can be easy for ticks to hide under collars and go unseen. After any outdoor excursions, it’s best to remove your dog’s collar and inspect their neck.
As for under your dog’s arms, these “armpit” areas are nice hiding spots for ticks. After all, they’re warm, dark, and hard to reach for your pup. They’re also not easy for pet owners to see all the time. Make sure to run your hands under their arms to feel for any small bumps and do a visual inspection.
Last but not least is your dog’s nether region. Many pet owners don’t like inspecting it, but it’s extremely important. This area is a favorite tick hangout because it’s moist and dark.
Don’t let a tick attach itself and fly under your radar; be diligent about checking your dog to prevent the transmission of disease.
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