As a pet science enthusiast and a proud dog parent, I’ve learned a thing or two about the stealthy hitchhikers that lurk in the grass—ticks. They’re tiny, they’re tenacious, and they can be a real nuisance for our furry friends. In this article, I’ll share some of the most common hiding spots for ticks on dogs and how to safely remove them, along with some tips for prevention.
Tick Hideouts on Your Dog
Between Toes
Ticks love to hide in the cozy space between your dog’s toes. It’s a perfect spot, as most dogs don’t groom this area. A tick’s bite is often painless, so your pooch might not even realize it’s there. Regularly check between each toe, the underside of the paw, and in between the paw pads to ensure they’re tick-free.
Ears
If a tick decides to explore your dog’s head, it’ll likely choose the warm, moist base of the ear or the ear canal. This area is hard to reach and can be tricky to inspect. Use a flea comb to gently brush the fur around the base of the ear, and a good light source to peer into the ear canal. If you find a tick, use tweezers to remove it carefully, and if it’s deep inside, seek professional help from a vet.
Eyes
Ticks are attracted to the moist skin around a dog’s eyes. Their coloring can make them hard to spot, so take a closer look in good light to ensure no ticks are hiding there.
Neck
A dog’s neck, particularly around the collar, is another favored tick hideout. It’s dark, moist, and the collar provides some protection. To check for ticks, remove the collar and use your fingers or a flea comb to brush the fur carefully.
Base of the Tail
Ticks also enjoy the base of the tail or the perianal region. These spots offer a good hiding place and easy access to a meal. Make it a habit to check your dog for ticks after every outdoor adventure to remove them promptly before they can feed.
Armpits and Hind Legs
Other moist areas that ticks favor are the armpits and between the hind legs. If you find a tick, don’t use your hands to remove it. Instead, use tweezers and disposable gloves to gently grasp the tick as close to the head as possible and pull it out straight. If parts of the tick’s mouth remain, monitor the area for inflammation or infection, and consult a vet if necessary.
Safe Removal and Prevention
After removing a tick, it’s crucial to wash your hands, as human skin contact with a tick’s infected fluids can lead to infectious diseases. The best defense against ticks is prevention. Consult your veterinarian for the most suitable tick preventative products for your dog. Remember, when it comes to ticks, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.