Ticks on Dogs, Head, Ears, Belly, Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, Removal, Treatment & Prevention

Discover many important facts about ticks on dogs. Learn the signs and symptoms and explore pictures of ticks on dogs, including those on the head, ears and belly. Also, learn the causes of ticks on dogs and how you can remove, treat and prevent them.

Table of Contents

Ticks on Dogs Symptoms

Ticks are usually big enough to spot. Run hands over your dog’s body to check for any lumps or even the bumps. A tick can also feel like a small bump on pet’s skin.

They normally tend to attach to areas that are around a dog’s head, ear and the feet. Brushing also assists to get rid of them.

Ticks usually vary in size which is between 1mm and 1cm long, largely depending on age. They look like small spiders having a white, egg-shaped body. The body then becomes larger and darker in color as it fills with blood.

There is no breed or gender predisposition to the tick infestation. Affected dogs might indicate no signs or might exhibit signs of an irritation at bite site which includes redness, inflammation, scratching and self-trauma.

Many of the tick species have also adapted to suppress the host animal’s response, thus making their bites to be painless. The serious effects of tick bites are usually systemic illness from the tick-borne infectious microorganisms, hypersensitivity reactions, neurotoxins in the tick saliva which leads to anemia from blood loss.

Other Symptoms of Ticks in Dogs

Ticks on dogs normally lead to symptoms on skin which leads to the owners taking a closer look at the cause of symptoms. Once they latch onto skin, they can lead to severe itchiness together with red and inflamed skin. Dogs that are allergic to ticks might have severe skin itch and inflammation symptoms.

Pet owners might as well notice ticks on dog once the tick is bloated after feeding on dog and large enough to see.

Reactions to the tick bites might as well lead to internal symptoms developing. Most of the dogs go through mild to high fevers, pain, lethargy, appetite loss and depression as a reaction to the tick bites. These particular symptoms might last as short as 24 hours or even continue for several days to weeks.

Ticks can as well transmit blood-borne disease that they are carrying once they have latched and feeding on a dog for more than 12 hours. These particular diseases include tick paralysis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and encephalitis.

Tick paralysis leads to instance lameness, and the dog might be unable to move and appears to be stuck in a coma. Tick diseases can still lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, cause inflammation in body, and severe as well as life-threatening anemia.

Ticks on Dogs Pictures (Images)

What do ticks look like on dogs? The pictures that we have inserted in various sections of this page give a clear appearance of ticks on dogs, including those on the head, ears and belly.

Ticks on Dogs Skin

Ticks on dogs usually suck blood from the dogs by attaching themselves on it’s the skin. However, some ticks become deeply embedded in the skin. In spite of that, they do not go under the skin because are ectoparasites, meaning they live on the outside of the host.

The lumps on skin of dogs that are infected with ticks are do not have ticks inside them. Usually, these lumps are formed from the irritation of the skin due to the substance that ticks secrete to enable them to get attached to the skin of dogs. In addition, the lumps may cause by the residual parts of tick’s body that may remain in the host’s skin. Normally, the lumps remain even after the ticks have been removed but disappear gradually with time.

Ticks on Dogs Head

Ticks on Dogs Ears

Ticks on Dogs Belly

Ticks on Dogs Face

Deer Ticks on Dogs

In case you leave your dogs to run freely, they may be infested with deer ticks. Deer ticks are also called black-legged ticks. If deer ticks with bite your dog, they might infect it with the Lyme disease. This disease is caused by borrelia bacteria. It is transmitted by an infected deer tick. A tick gets infected with the borrelia bacteria when it sucks blood from a host that carries the bacteria.

Dead Ticks on Dogs

You will certainly find dead ticks on dogs, some of which are still buried deep in the skin, after tick treatment that kills the ticks. In such cases, remove the dead ticks and clean your dog so that it looks neat.

How to Remove Ticks on Dogs

How to Remove a Tick from Your Dog

You’ve also discovered a tick on your dog, and you probably need to get rid of it as soon as possible. But improper tick removal might cause skin infections and exposure to the tick diseases. If you also have found ticks on dogs, follow these outlined tick removal steps below.

Step 1:

Once you have located a tick, take a pair of tweezers, and a container of alcohol. Do not get rid of the tick using your bare hands or you might also be exposed to the tick diseases. If you do not have tweezers, wear a pair of gloves or even you can wrap your hands in a tissue.

Step 2:

Gently grab the ticks on dogs at the base of its head using the tweezers and gently, but also firmly pull the tick straight out.

You will feel some kind of resistance, and the tick should start backing out. Do not use any kind of oils or even the matches to get the tick out; these particular methods are very much ineffective and might lead to the tick to go deeper into your dog’s skin.

Step 3:

Place the tick in a small container that has alcohol so as to ensure that it dies; if you are worried about having contracted any tick diseases, preserve the tick in alcohol so that the veterinarian can identify it.

Step 4:

Ticks on dogs usually like to congregate in same places. Once you have gotten rid of one tick, there is a likelihood that another smaller one is also located in the same area. Check the dog over completely so as to ensure that you have removed all of them.

Step 5:

Gently wipe the area using warm soapy water. You can also place a dab of antibiotic cream on the dog’s area if the skin appears inflamed or even infected.

Sometimes a tick can refuse to come out and thus you will end up breaking the tick at the neck. The tick’s head can remain in dog’s skin, but this is very much okay. The dog’s body can absorb the head over a period of time; if you can see the head then you can try to get rid of it like you would a splinter.

Prognosis

The prognosis for the dogs that have been completely parasitized by the ticks is usually good, so long as the ticks are removed and effective measures have taken to prevent any kind of re-exposure and re-infestation.

There are several commercial topical preventatives that are very much effective in managing of the ticks in companion dogs, which includes liquid on-spot treatments, rinses and collars.

A veterinarian can recommend an appropriate product that is used for dogs especially in geographic areas. Some of the tick preventatives are not in any way appropriate for the young puppies or even in households that have young children.

Avoiding any outdoor areas which harbor ticks is a perfect way that can be used to reduce the risk of infection.

Some vaccines are also available for some of the diseases that are brought about by tick-borne organisms, like Lyme’s disease. Getting rid of the ticks promptly can greatly assist to prevent any kind of transmission of the tick-borne diseases.

Long grass and bush should be kept trimmed to do away with the outdoor residential areas that are preferred by the parasites. Environmental pesticides are also found.

Ticks on dogs home remedies

Once you have located any tick, do not pry it out with nails or anything else, as it can make the tick to dig in deeper and then release its toxic fluids into the body. Instead, try the simple home remedies that can peel the tick out of skin such as the smooth wax paper.

Citrus

The health benefits that the citrus has on the skin are usually innumerable and one of it is the ability to get the ticks out. To prepare, simply take peels of the lemons or any fruit that contains citrus in it and then boil them. Apply the cooled peels over the ticks on dogs so as to easily get rid of them out of the skin.

Witch Hazel

The astringent effects of Witch hazel can be used to get rid of the ticks naturally. Mix about 15 parts of witch hazel in 2 part of the eucalyptus oil so as to make an effective tick remover in a few seconds.

Also, witch hazel can be used to make a tick repellent spray to do away with ticks in the house by mixing witch hazel in 8 ounces of water, and adding about 35 drops of any essential oil.

Mint

Apart from providing a cooling sensation, it is very effective remedy for removing ticks on dogs. Blend about two lemons with about 15 tablespoons of the apple cider vinegar and about 15 mint leaves in warm water and then let the mix settle. Use the extract on tick to get rid of ticks on dogs.

The alcohol magic

Usually rubbing of the alcohol is a preferred deterrent in the case of ticks, but not all of the skin types are tolerant to it. So create a very milder but effective blend by mixing equal parts of the eucalyptus oil, lavender oil and the lemon tree oil in a 1:2 blend of pure alcohol and water. Simply spray the mix on skin of dog for instant tick removal.

Rose geranium essential oil

The fragrance of rose geranium oil contains positive effects on the dogs and is also an effective home remedy for removal of the ticks on dogs and repelling them when they are used in combination with the almonds.

The advised mix usually involves about twenty drops of the rose geranium essential oil in about 4 tablespoons of the almond oil.

Vaseline

Petroleum, and several other synthetic oils can irritate the dog’s skin further, but Vaseline on the other hand usually nurtures it and suffocates the ticks on dogs to death it is when well as used on them. Also, it is the safest remedy to get rid of the ticks in dog ears and many other tender regions.

Brewer’s yeast

Yeast and the garlic is a perfect combination to remove not just ticks but most of the parasites that are found on the dog’s body. Simply take about 4 tablespoons of the natural yeast and then add sufficient amount of the garlic cloves, or even garlic powder and then give it to the dog to consume internally.

Coconut oil

Apart from the several internal health benefits, this oil equally acts as an effective repellent of mites and generally all sorts of the insects. Simple use the coconut oil in its purest form over tick bite, so as to see the tick falling off and leaving behind no rashes or even any infection. Coconut oil is a safe home remedy that can be used to remove ticks from dog’s ears.

Baking soda and salt

To get rid of the ticks in house, use of the expensive ingredients like the oils might be a bit too expensive. But instead, give the house a good spring clean using a mixture of salt and the baking soda so as to effectively get rid of and repel all ticks on dogs and other parasites.

Dish wash detergent

This is one of the easiest things that you can find in the house. Just pour the detergent liquid in a bowl and then add some amount of water so as to dilute. Apply the solution to tick bite so as to instantly do away with the ticks on dogs. Mouthwashes may be also used in a similar way.

Cinnamon oil

Cinnamon bark oil is also effective in removal of ticks on dogs, and it can be improved by adding some amount of garlic to it. The ideal recipe is by mixing about 80 drops of cinnamon oil with just 1 ounce of water and enough amount of garlic.

Neem leaves and oil

The medicinal properties that are found in neem do not require any introduction; the antibacterial properties of neem may not only remove ticks but also several other hazardous bacterium and insects. Create a blend of neem oil together with lemon extracts for a tick repellent.

Apple cider vinegar

Beneficial, both when consumed internally and applied on skin, apple cider vinegar is the only repellent that your dog will ever require to fight off the ticks on dogs. Simply dilute ACV in water or even apply it onto the dog’s skin to instantly get rid of ticks.

Rosemary

The common herb, which is found in every household, might be used to effectively repel ticks on dogs as well. Boil the leave in water together with some lemon peels, and then rub the extract on tick bite to get rid of it. The herb is safe for getting rid of ticks in dog skin also.

Cloves

Cloves that is either in oil form or even the one that is diluted form can be used to remove ticks on dogs as well. Crush cloves to powder and then boil it in water so as to obtain extracts which may be sprayed indoors to remove ticks in home.

Ticks on Dogs Treatment

Sometimes the infestations of ticks on dogs are severe, with several ticks on the dog’s body. When this occurs, the dog should be treated using an insecticide dip and might also need multiple treatments so as to fully do away with the ticks.

If your dog is experiencing a severe infestation, then you should go to vet for assistance.

Other reasons that can prompt to see a vet:

One or several ticks might be seen being very deep in ear
Redness or even the swelling at area of tick bite that lasts beyond three days after getting rid of them.
Your dog’s health changes after a tick infestation.

Tick control for dogs

If you make use a wide-tooth comb on dogs after a walk, then chances are high that you’ll discover ticks in dog’s coat, and they’ll not have attached themselves. To protect yourself, you should tuck long pants into the socks during the walks in woods and the fields, and ensure to wear a hat.

Around the house, be very much sure to keep the tall grass mowed so as to discourage ticks from infesting in your yard. Pet-approved insecticides might as well be used on the lawn so as to control ticks on dogs, but its importance might be short-lived as some of the ticks spend part of lifecycle underground, safely away from treatment.

There are several treatments that are available to assist keep your dog safe from having ticks:

Topical treatments. These particular products are used and very effective. You use a small bottle of the solution to the back of dog (directions vary, because the dosage based on dog’s weight). They last for 1 month.

Some can as well get rid of the fleas, but not all, so ensure to read the label very much carefully. Frontline the advantage are very popular brands. Active ingredients include permethrin, pyrethrin, or even fipronil.

Sprays. Sprays require that you should cover all areas of the dog’s body. Be very much careful around the eyes and the ears; it’s better to spray a cotton ball and then dab the solution on the particular areas. How long the sprays are effective usually varies so be sure to spray in a ventilated area. Active ingredients are pyrethrin.

Powders. Easier than sprays but they are very messy. Not recommended for dogs which are suffering from asthma. Again, read the labels carefully for how to use and how also how long the powder is effective. These also have pyrethrin.

Shampoos and dips. Shampoos and dips might have some amount of residual benefit but are often used for a dog that is already infested with some ticks. Work up a good lather across the body, and leave it on for about 15 minutes. To protect your dog, place some cotton in ears, and be careful around eyes. These have pyrethrin.

A recent product, known as the Preventic, available as a collar, also has proven itself very much effective in killing ticks on dogs. It has an ingredient known as Amitraz, which gets rid of the tick before it attaches itself. Some of the dogs have an adverse reaction to collar, so it’s a perfect idea to ask your vet about it first and then watch your dog carefully when you first use it. Also, the collar isn’t effective at getting rid of the fleas.

Tick tablets for dogs

NexGard keeps your dog protected from ticks by killing them before they lay eggs, which then reduces the possibility of tick infestation. Also, it kills 3 types of ticks on dogs (the American dog tick, the black-legged tick and lone Star tick) which then decreases the risk of your dog developing a tick-borne disease. NexGard needs a prescription from a veterinarian.

Benefits:

First ever flea and tick preventative which comes in a tasty beef-flavored chew
Not messy topical preventatives, and not worrying on washing off the dog’s flea protection
Safe, FDA-approved, and lasts for a period of more than 30 days
Is able to be taken together with heartworm medication

How to Prevent Ticks on Dogs

Ticks can cling to skin, or fabric when your dog brushes against vegetation, and you might not notice the ticks until they have begun to feed.

The best method that can be used to prevent an attack is to avoid taking your dog through the tick-infested areas, but you might as well consider the use of a bevy of the tick-repellent products so as to keep them away.

Avoiding Tick-Infested Areas

Keep your dog away from the known tick habitats.

Ticks inhabit dense, wooded vegetative areas, meadows having thick brush, and areas where the ground is covered with decaying leaves.
Ticks usually engage in a behavior known as “questing”: they usually climb on low shrubs and the grass until they’re about 24 inches off the ground, and they then lurk in wait for the animals such as the dog so as to brush against the perch.

Be wary if you’re passing through an area that has a profusion of thick underbrush.

Ticks have heat sensors which can detect the body heat that is emitted by a dog. The tick then uses legs so as to grab onto your dog’s fur. It works its way through the fur, like a heat-seeking towards the skin. The tick starts to gorge itself on dog’s blood so as to fertilize its eggs.

Identify tick habitat in the yard. If the dog spends a lot of time about your yard, it might be at a higher risk of encountering ticks.

Ticks don’t live out in the open. They congregate on fringes: where yards border the wooded areas; where there are a lot of ornamental plantings and thick gardens; and anywhere that is shady, where the leaves are decaying with very high humidity.
Secure your trash cans with very strong lids; take out any rock piles and the brushy cover. This assists to keep away the rodents which might carry ticks.

Check ticks on dogs, especially if it’s been outside.Be very thorough in the exercise. Dogs usually tend to pick up several ticks than people do.

Groom your dog after a walk in woods. Work through its fur using a fine-toothed comb to get rid of any ticks which are clinging to hairs.
Part the fur using your hands and ensure to inspect your dog’s skin so as to make sure that no given ticks have taken root. Feel for the irregular lumps.
Remember to check between the dog’s toes, behind and in the ears, in armpits and the belly, and all around the tail and the head.