Ticks are a serious problem for dogs in Matthews, and they can even sometimes carry Lyme disease, which may be fatal. It’s important to learn how to recognize the signs of ticks on dogs so you can remove it quickly and reduce or avoid the damage it might cause.
In the article below, you’ll find out more information about how to tell if your dog has a tick. During times of the year when ticks are prominent, you should be extra cautious and always double-check your dog after taking him outdoors, especially in overgrown areas.
Signs of Ticks on Dogs that You Should Watch Out for in Matthews, NC
6 signs that there may be ticks on your dog include:
Visible Ticks
Perhaps it goes without saying, but visible ticks are the most common indicator that your dog has been bitten. Most of the time, you can see a tick on a dog’s skin before it attaches for a meal. If it has already buried, however, it may become engorged and may be even easier to spot when it begins to swell with blood.
After you spend time outside with your dog, you should check her skin very closely for any signs of ticks. Brushing and combing can help remove loose ticks. This way, you can find them before they bury up under the skin.
Chewing or Scratching
Tick bites are itchy and irritating to dogs, and if your dog is bitten by a tick, she will probably start chewing, scratching, or licking at the bite frequently. She may do this to try to relieve the itching or pain, and she might also do it to try to remove the tick itself.
If you notice your dog focusing on one part of her body a lot while licking, this may be a sign that she has a tick. Check her thoroughly, and be sure to look closely at the area she is favoring. Even if it isn’t a tick, there may be something else going on that needs attention.
Inflammation
Another sign of ticks on dogs in Matthews is inflammation. Many dogs may have some skin irritation and inflammation surrounding a tick bite. If you notice a part of your dog’s skin is inflamed and swollen, this may be a sign that she has been bitten by a tick.
Check closely at any locations that look this way. It is possible that the tick fell off or was scratched off of your dog, but the head could still be left under the skin. Additionally, the tick might have been completely removed, but its bite could cause an infection that leads to inflamed skin as well.
Pale Gums
Dogs who suffer a lot of blood loss related to tick bites may become anemic. If this happens to your dog, she may have pale gums that occur as a result of losing so much blood. This problem is not very common with ticks, but it can happen, especially if your dog has several tick bites at once.
Pale gums can also be an indicator of a wide variety of other dog health problems, and they should never be overlooked. Even if you don’t think ticks are the culprits, you should take your dog to a veterinarian in Matthews, NC if you notice she has pale gums.
Head Shaking or Head Tilt
It is possible that your dog may have a tick that has buried up within her ear or inside the flap of her ear. If this happens, you may notice her shaking her head frequently or tilting her head to one side to try to relieve the pain and itching associated with the tick bite.
After taking your dog outdoors, especially in tick-prone areas, you should always check her whole body for signs of tick bites. This includes inside her ears and under her collar, which may be sometimes overlooked by pet owners. Also check her “armpits” as ticks like to hide there.
Weakness or Lethargy
If your dog has a tick that is left buried beneath her skin for a long time, she may suffer from weakness or lethargy associated with a tickborne disease. Ticks carry multiple diseases that can cause human and animal illnesses.
If your dog is weak or lethargic and you know she has been recently bitten by a tick, you should take her to a vet in Matthews. These signs may indicate that your dog has come down with a tickborne illness and needs veterinary care.
Contact a Veterinarian in Matthews, NC for Ticks on Dogs
As with any concerns related to your pet’s health and wellbeing, you should always work with a trusted veterinarian if you have any more questions or need more information. Your vet can help you learn everything you need to know about ticks on your dog and can help diagnose your dog if she is suffering from any tick-related illnesses as well.
Don’t forget to ask your vet in Matthews early about tick preventative medication. This medication comes in a variety of types and can sometimes be bundled with flea or other parasite prevention. It’s a great way to protect your pet from ticks on dogs throughout the year. Call Caring Hearts Animal Hospital at (704) 893-2799 if you have questions, or want to get your pet started on preventative medications today!