Found a Dried Dead Tick on Your Dog? Here’s What to Do

Don’t Panic – A Dried Tick Is Not an Emergency

Don’t panic if you find a dried, dead tick on your dog. As gross as it is, a dried tick is not an emergency and your dog should be fine.

First, don’t try to remove the tick yourself. Dried, dead ticks are firmly attached and trying to pull one off could damage your dog’s skin. Instead, take your dog to the vet to have the tick properly removed. They have the proper tools and training to remove dried ticks without hurting your dog.

While waiting for your vet appointment, closely monitor your dog for any signs of illness like lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or limping. These can be signs of tick-borne diseases, though the risk is low if the tick has been dead for a while. Still, it’s best to have your vet examine the tick to determine if it’s a species that can transmit disease. They may also run a blood test on your dog to check for any tick-borne diseases.

Don’t beat yourself up over finding a dried tick. As vigilant as we try to be, ticks can still latch on without us noticing. The important thing is you found it and are getting your dog proper care. Try not to stress – with prompt removal and testing, the chances of disease transmission from a dried tick are minimal.

Your dog should recover quickly once the tick is removed. Give them some extra love and keep an eye out for any changes in behavior or health over the next few weeks. Ticks are unpleasant but with care and prevention, we can keep our dogs safe and healthy.

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Remove the Dead Tick Properly

Uh-oh, you found a dried up tick on your dog. Don’t panic, but you do need to remove it properly.

• Get a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the dog’s skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
• Dispose of a live tick by submersing it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
• Thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with disinfectant or soap and water.
• Monitor your dog for signs of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses in the coming months. These include lethargy, joint pain, loss of appetite, and fever. See a vet right away if symptoms appear.
• Consider using a tick preventative on your dog. Oral and topical medications can repel ticks and kill them before they bite. Reapply as directed to keep your furry friend protected during peak tick seasons.

Removing an embedded tick, dead or alive, is important to avoid infection and ensure the entire tick is removed. While a dried up tick is less likely to transmit disease, it’s still best to take precautions. Regular tick checks and prevention are the best ways to safeguard your dog’s health and give you peace of mind. Staying on top of it will help you both enjoy the outdoors without worry.

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Monitor Your Dog for Tick-Borne Diseases

Now that you’ve removed the tick from your dog, it’s important to monitor them closely for any signs of tick-borne diseases in the coming weeks and months. Some diseases can take time to develop and show symptoms, so remain vigilant even if your dog seems normal at first.

Watch for Symptoms

Carefully observe your dog for any unusual symptoms that could indicate a tick-borne infection like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or ehrlichiosis. Some signs to look out for include:

• Lethargy or lack of appetite
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Painful joints or lameness
• Fever
• Vomiting or diarrhea

If your dog shows any suspicious symptoms within 3 months of a tick bite, consult your vet right away for an exam and blood test. Early diagnosis and treatment of tick diseases is critical to your dog’s health.

Schedule Follow-Up Visits

Even if your dog seems perfectly healthy, it’s a good idea to have your vet examine them within the first month after finding an attached tick. Your vet can check for any signs of disease and may recommend blood testing, especially if the tick was engorged when removed. Some diseases like Lyme disease may not show symptoms for weeks or months, so follow-up blood work 2-3 months after the bite is also advisable.

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Prevent Future Tick Bites

To avoid another tick scare, be proactive about using tick prevention on your dog. Ask your vet about prescription tick preventatives, and be diligent about checking your dog for ticks after being outside, especially in wooded or brushy areas. Ticks may be small, but the diseases they carry can be life-threatening. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

By closely monitoring your dog and working with your vet, you can rest assured you’re doing everything possible to keep them safe, healthy and tick-free. Staying vigilant and taking proactive measures will give you peace of mind that your faithful friend is well-protected.

Consult a Vet if You Notice Any Symptoms

Even if you find a dried, dead tick on your dog, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any symptoms of tick-borne diseases over the next few weeks. Some signs may not appear for up to 30 days after a tick bite. If you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog, consult your vet right away.

1. Loss of Appetite or Lethargy

If your dog seems less interested in food or isn’t as energetic as usual, it could indicate a tick-borne infection like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases can cause a dog to feel ill and lethargic. Call your vet if your dog’s behavior seems off.

2. Swollen Joints or Lameness

Arthritis-like swelling or pain in the joints is a common symptom of Lyme disease. Your dog may limp or seem stiff, especially after resting. Lyme disease can also cause shifting leg lameness that changes from one leg to another. See your vet for an exam and blood test.

3. Fever

A high fever can occur with Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick diseases. If your dog’s temperature is over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, contact your vet. A fever, especially when combined with lethargy or joint pain, can indicate an infection that requires treatment.

4. Rash

Some tick diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever cause a rash. Look for a rash on your dog’s abdomen, ears, or paws. The rash may start small but spread and become more noticeable over a few days. A rash, especially when accompanied by a fever or lethargy, warrants a call to your vet.

5. Neurological Problems

Advanced cases of Lyme disease or other tick infections can sometimes lead to neurological issues in dogs like seizures, confusion, or paralysis. Seek emergency vet care immediately if your dog shows these severe symptoms. Aggressive treatment may be required to avoid permanent damage.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s health. Even if the tick you found was dead, keep a close watch on your dog and call your vet right away if you notice any symptoms that could indicate a tick-borne disease. Early diagnosis and treatment provide the best chance for a quick recovery.

Prevent Future Ticks: Use These Tips to Protect Your Dog

Now that you’ve properly removed the tick from your dog, it’s time to take steps to prevent future ticks. The best way to avoid ticks is through prevention.

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1. Use Tick Prevention Medication

Talk to your vet about using a tick prevention medication, like Frontline or NexGard. These treatments are very effective at repelling and killing ticks. You apply the medication directly to your dog’s skin or give them a chewable pill. Either way, it will help prevent ticks for up to a month.

2. Check Your Dog Regularly

Make checking your dog for ticks a regular part of your routine, especially after being outside. Run your hands over their body, checking the ears, neck, legs and between the toes. Look for small dark specks—these could be ticks. The sooner you find a tick, the less chance of disease transmission.

3. Yard Spray

You can spray your yard to kill and repel ticks. Use a product containing permethrin or bifenthrin and spray around the perimeter of your yard, especially in shady, brushy areas. Reapply every few weeks or after rain.

4. Clear Brush and Leaf Litter

Ticks love hiding in brush, leaf litter, and tall grass. Remove brush, mow your lawn, and clear leaf litter from your yard. This eliminates places for ticks to hide and makes them easier to spot.

5. Bathe Your Dog Regularly

Bathe your dog regularly using a tick shampoo or a shampoo containing permethrin. Bathing removes any loose ticks and also leaves a residue on the skin that repels ticks for a short time. Bathing once a month or every other week during peak tick season is a good rule of thumb.

Taking these preventive steps, in addition to properly removing any ticks you do find, will help ensure your dog stays tick-free and healthy. Be vigilant, especially in the warmer months, and check with your vet for any other recommendations specific to your area. Prevention is the best way to avoid the dangers of ticks.