Ticks on Dogs: What It Means and How to Handle It

Just because we love dogs doesn’t mean we love bugs, but sadly, the two often go hand in hand. Our pups head out on walks, roll through grass, explore hedgerows and come back with all sorts of little hitchhikers. Most of the time it’s harmless, the odd bit of dirt or a random ladybird taking a ride on their back. But every now and then, it’s something less welcome and finding a tick on your dog is one of those moments that can make your stomach drop.

If you’ve had dogs before, you’ll know that finding ticks on dogs is quite common, and in many cases, they’re more of a nuisance than a serious problem. Still, they’re not something to ignore and knowing what to look for, how to deal with them properly and how to reduce the chances of them coming back is something every pup parent should know.

If you’ve never dealt with one before, the idea of figuring out how to remove a tick from a dog can feel a little scary. You’re definitely not alone in that, with most dog parents feeling the same the first time, especially when the tick is properly attached. It’s not the nicest job in the world, but it’s very manageable once you know what you’re doing.

So to help you through this slightly gross, but definitely essential, part of being a dog parent, here’s everything you need to know about ticks on dogs.

Rather annoyingly, ticks on dogs tend to come from the places our pups love the most, like the long grass, woodland paths, heathland and even overgrown areas in local parks. These are all environments where dog ticks thrive, quietly waiting on grass or low vegetation until something brushes past. So when your dog wanders through, they latch on and hitch a ride home.

It’s not just countryside walks either. Ticks on dogs can happen in more everyday settings too, especially during warmer months. Gardens with longer grass, areas with wildlife like hedgehogs or deer, and even popular dog walking routes can all carry some level of risk. That said, don’t think you need to avoid these places altogether. Just knowing how to deal with dog ticks is enough to still enjoy your favourite adventure spots.

As the weather starts to warm up, so does tick activity. Spring is usually when things begin to pick up, with March and April marking the start of the most active period for dog ticks in the UK. From there, activity tends to stay high right through the summer months, when conditions are ideal and our pups are spending more time exploring outdoors.

Warm, slightly damp environments are exactly what ticks prefer, which is why they’re most commonly found during spring and summer and in the woods, long grass and shaded trails. During this time, ticks on dogs are far more likely to happen, simply because there’s more opportunity for contact.

It’s easy to assume that once winter rolls in, ticks are no longer something to think about. And while cold temperatures do slow them down, and you’re far less likely to come across them compared to spring and summer, they sadly don’t completely disappear. Ticks are surprisingly resilient and can become active again during milder spells, especially on those slightly warmer, damp winter days.

For most dog parents, this just means the risk is lower, not gone entirely. If your pup is still out enjoying woodland walks, grassy fields or areas with wildlife, there’s always a small chance of picking one up. There’s no need to be overly worried during winter, but it’s still worth giving your dog a quick once-over after walks now and then.

If you’ve never seen one before, then it’s completely normal to wonder what does a tick look like on a dog. These little creatures aren’t something we come across very often, and since they’re relatively small and usually hiding in the grass, we don’t always know what we’re looking for when we’re checking our dogs.

The best way to describe a tick is as a small, oval-shaped parasite that attaches itself to your dog’s skin to feed. Before feeding, they’re usually quite tiny, sometimes no bigger than a pinhead, and can look a bit like a small dark speck or even a bit of dirt caught in the fur. As they feed, they gradually swell and become more noticeable, often turning into a greyish or brown lump that feels slightly firm to the touch.

On a dog, ticks tend to stand out because they don’t brush away like dirt would. If you part your pup’s fur and see a small bump attached to the skin, that’s often the first sign. They can range in colour from dark brown to grey, depending on how long they’ve been attached.

You’ll most commonly find them in areas where the fur is thinner or where ticks can easily latch on such as around the ears, under the collar, between the toes or along the belly. Running your hands over your dog after a walk can help you spot anything unusual early on, even before you see it.

Spotting a dog tick often comes down to getting into the habit of checking your pup after walks, especially if they’ve been through long grass or woodland. A quick once-over can make a big difference in protecting them and running your hands slowly over your pup’s body is a good place to start.

Pay close attention to areas where ticks like to hide, like around the ears, under the collar, between the toes, under the legs and along the belly. Carefully part the fur as you go so you can see the skin more clearly and feel free to use a dog brush too if that helps, especially for thicker coats.

If you come across a small bump that doesn’t move or brush away, then it could be a dog tick.

A tick bite can look slightly different depending on whether the tick is still attached or has already been removed. If the tick is still there, you’ll usually see a small, raised bump with the tick attached to the skin. In the early stages it can be tiny and easy to miss, but as it feeds, it becomes larger and more noticeable.

Once a tick has been removed, the bite often looks like a small red spot or slightly irritated area. It can be a little raised and may resemble a minor insect bite. In some cases, there might be a tiny scab where the tick was attached.

Most tick bites are fairly mild and settle down on their own over a few days. Keeping an eye on the area can help you spot anything unusual, but in most cases, it’s just a small mark that gradually fades as your pup’s skin heals.

Ticks on dogs aren’t always spotted straight away, especially if they’re small or hidden beneath thicker fur. Often, the first signs come from a mix of what you can see, what you can feel and how your furry bestie is behaving.

One of the most common ways to spot ticks on dogs is by touch. While giving your dog a stroke or a quick check after a walk, you might feel a small lump or bump on their skin that doesn’t move. Unlike a bit of dirt that will easily brush away, a tick won’t budge so easily.

Visually, you may also spot a small dark speck or a slightly swollen, greyish bump if the tick has been feeding for a little while. These are often found in areas like around the ears, under the collar or along the belly.

Your dog’s behaviour can also be a clue. Some pups may start scratching, licking or nibbling at a particular spot more than usual. Others might seem slightly irritated or restless if the area is bothering them. That said, not all dogs react, so it’s still important to check regularly rather than relying on behaviour alone.

Removing a tick is never anyone’s favourite job, and if you’re figuring out how to remove a tick from a dog for the first time, it can definitely feel a little daunting since it’s a slightly delicate job. But we promise, it is very manageable once you know the right approach to reduce the chance of irritation or part of the tick being left behind. The safest option is to use a tick remover as these tools are designed to lift the tick away cleanly without squeezing it.

1. Keep your dog as still and calm as possible
   Settle your pup somewhere with good light so you can see the tick clearly. Giving them something to focus on, like an enrichment toy or a tasty chew, can really help keep them relaxed and distracted while you work.
   
   
2. Part the fur around the tick
   Gently move the fur away so you can clearly see where the tick is attached. Taking a moment to get a clear view of the parasite makes the rest much easier.
   
   
3. Use a tick remover tool
   Slide the tick remover for dogs underneath the tick, as close to the skin as possible. Follow the tool instructions, usually by gently twisting or lifting until the tick releases. Try to avoid squeezing the body or pulling too quickly.
   
   
4. Check the area afterwards
   Once removed, take a look at the skin. A small red mark is normal, but the area should look clear with no head of the tick left behind.
   
   
5. Clean the skin gently
   If it looks a little irritated, clean it with a pet-safe antiseptic or as advised by your vet. If your pup keeps bothering it, a clean dressing or some dog bandages can help protect the area for a short time.
   
   
6. Keep an eye on your dog
   Over the next few days, just monitor the spot and your dog’s behaviour. If anything doesn’t seem quite right, it’s always best to check in with your vet.

Once you’ve removed ticks on dogs, it’s important to dispose of it properly so it can’t reattach or pose a risk to anyone else. Avoid crushing it with your fingers, as this can release bacteria and pathogens, which isn’t good for humans or pups.

The safest way is to place the tick into a small container with alcohol to kill it or wrap it securely in tissue and dispose of it in a sealed bin or down the toilet. It’s a good idea to give your hands a good wash afterwards too to avoid any unnecessary risk.

It’s always best to remove a tick in one go, including the head and mouthparts, as these are what anchor it into your dog’s skin. Leaving part of the tick behind can increase the chance of irritation or infection, which is why careful removal is so important. That said, it does happen from time to time, especially if the tick was tricky to get hold of or already firmly attached.

If part of the tick does stay in your dog’s skin, try not to panic. In many cases, your dog may not even seem bothered by it. The most important thing is to keep the area clean and monitor it closely. Gently clean the skin and keep an eye out for any changes.

As tempting as it might be, don’t try to dig the remaining piece out yourself as this can irritate the skin further and increase the risk of infection. If the area becomes red, swollen, painful, or starts to ooze, it’s a good idea to speak to your vet. They’ll be able to advise on the best next steps and make sure your pup stays comfortable while it heals.

Once you’ve removed the tick, there are a few simple steps that help keep your pup comfortable and reduce the risk of irritation. Start by making sure the tick has been disposed of safely, either sealed and placed in the bin or put into alcohol.

Your focus then should be on the bite area. It’s completely normal to see a small red mark or slight swelling where the tick was attached but it’s always best to clean the area using a dog-safe antiseptic to keep it fresh and reduce the chance of infection. There’s no need to overdo it, just a light clean is enough.

Over the next few days, keep an eye on the spot to make sure it’s settling down. Most bites heal on their own without any issues, but if you notice increased redness, swelling or your dog seems bothered by it, it’s always best to speak to your vet.

Once everything looks like it’s healing nicely, it can be a good excuse to give your pup a bit of a refresh. A gentle brush with your dog brushes can help remove any debris from their coat, followed by a wash using your favourite dog shampoo and conditioner to leave them feeling clean and comfortable again.

It’s easy to be fooled by things you see online when it comes to ticks on dogs. There’s a lot of advice out there suggesting you don’t need to remove a dog tick properly, and that you can just suffocate it or use household remedies to make it “back out”. It might sound easier, but these methods can actually make things worse.

Here are a few things to avoid:

• Don’t use home remedies: Things like petroleum jelly, nail varnish remover, kerosene or even a hot match are often suggested, but they don’t work. In fact, they can cause the tick to release more saliva into your dog’s skin, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
  
  
• Don’t squeeze the tick’s body: It can be tempting, especially if it’s larger, but squeezing a dog tick while removing it can push harmful bacteria into your dog’s bloodstream.
  
  
• Don’t burn it off: A naked flame should never go anywhere near your pet. It won’t remove the tick properly and can cause serious injury.
  
  
• Don’t dig around for the head: If part of the tick is left behind, avoid trying to dig it out yourself with tweezers or needles. This can irritate the skin further and increase the risk of infection. In most cases, the body will naturally push it out as the area heals.

When it comes to ticks on dogs, the safest approach is always a calm, proper removal using the right tool. If you don’t have a tick remover to hand, or the idea of removing it yourself doesn’t feel right, it’s absolutely fine to visit your vet and let them take care of it for you.

Some dogs are simply more likely to come across ticks than others, and it often comes down to their lifestyle, coat type and daily routine rather than anything else.

Ticks on dogs are usually picked up during walks, so pups that spend a lot of time in long grass and or countryside areas are naturally at higher risk. Breeds that love to explore dense undergrowth like spaniels, retrievers and other active working breeds, tend to pick up dog ticks more often. They’re the ones diving into bushes, bounding through fields and getting right into the areas where ticks are most commonly found. Their enthusiasm for adventure is great, but it does mean a little extra checking afterwards is needed.

Coat type can also play a part. Dogs with thicker or longer fur can make ticks harder to spot, allowing them to stay attached for longer without being noticed. Regular grooming and brushing can really help here, making it easier to catch anything early.

Age and general health can influence things too. Younger dogs that are still exploring the world or older dogs with weaker immune systems may need a bit more attention when it comes to checking for ticks on dogs. The same goes for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, live in rural areas or regularly mix with wildlife-heavy environments.

Ticks can be more than just an annoyance for our pups. One of the main reasons they’re taken so seriously is because they can carry diseases, with Lyme disease being one of the most well-known. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that can be passed into your dog’s bloodstream through the bite of an infected tick. The longer a tick stays attached, the higher the chance of transmission, which is why spotting and removing ticks quickly is so important.

Not every tick carries Lyme disease, and not every dog who gets bitten will become unwell. But it’s still something dog parents should be aware of.

Lyme disease can affect dogs in different ways, but there are a few common signs to look out for. One of the most noticeable is lameness, which may seem to shift between legs. Your dog might appear stiff, reluctant to move or less interested in walks.

Other signs can include:

• Fever
• Tiredness or low energy
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen joints or sensitivity when touched

In more serious cases, Lyme disease can affect the kidneys, which is why it’s important to act if something doesn’t feel right.

If Lyme disease is suspected, your vet will usually carry out tests to confirm it. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics which most dogs respond well to, especially when caught early.

Alongside this, your vet may recommend pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication to help with any discomfort, particularly if your dog is experiencing joint pain. Rest and a bit of extra care at home can also help support recovery.

Babesiosis is a less common but more serious disease that can be passed to dogs through tick bites. It’s caused by parasites that infect your dog’s red blood cells, which can lead to them being broken down more quickly than normal. This can affect how oxygen is carried around the body and, in some cases, make dogs quite unwell.

Symptoms can include tiredness, weakness, pale gums, fever and, in more noticeable cases, dark or reddish urine. Some dogs may also lose their appetite or seem generally off colour. While it’s not something most dog parents will encounter regularly in the UK, it has been reported in certain areas, so it’s worth being aware of.

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system, and it too can be transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. It’s quite rare, especially in the UK, but it has been identified in parts of Europe, so it’s something to be mindful of if you’re travelling abroad with your dog.

The symptoms can vary but may include fever, lethargy, coordination issues, sensitivity to touch and, in more severe cases, neurological signs such as tremors or seizures. Because it affects the nervous system, it can progress quickly once symptoms appear. There’s no specific treatment for the virus itself, so care usually focuses on managing symptoms and supporting your dog through recovery.

Ticks might be annoying, but they shouldn’t stop you and your pup from enjoying the outdoors. If your dog loves charging through long grass or getting stuck into every hedge they can find, let them. That’s what being a dog is all about. It’s far better to focus on prevention that keeps things under control, rather than avoiding the fun altogether.

One of the easiest ways to stay on top of dog ticks is by checking your pup regularly, especially after walks in higher-risk areas. A quick once-over with your hands and a look through their coat can help you catch anything early before it becomes a bigger issue.

Regular grooming is also essential, both for your pup’s general wellbeing and for spotting ticks too. Using dog brushes helps keep the coat free from tangles and makes it easier to spot anything unusual and bathing your pup every so often with a dog-friendly shampoo can also help keep their skin and coat in good condition.

There are also preventative options available, such as tick-repellent collars and topical treatments that sit on the skin and help deter ticks from attaching in the first place.

Natural remedies are often suggested online, but they’re not something to rely on when it comes to ticks. In fact, many of the commonly recommended options such as those that recommend essential oils or dish soap can be harmful to pets and may irritate your dog’s skin even more.

Instead, it’s always better to stick with methods that are known to work and recommended by vets like using a proper tick remover tool and following your vet’s advice. This will give you a much safer and more reliable way to deal with ticks on dogs without putting your pup at unnecessary risk.

Annoyingly, yes. Ticks aren’t just something that affect our dogs but they can attach to humans too. If you’ve been walking your pup through long grass or woodland, there’s always a chance one could end up on you as well. They tend to latch onto exposed skin or areas where clothing is a bit looser, so it’s worth giving yourself a quick check after walks, just like you would with your dog.

Thankfully, much like with our pups, most tick bites are harmless and easy to deal with when spotted early. You remove them in a similar fashion, making sure you grab them at the very base of the skin, pulling out the entire parasite in one and disposing of it properly.

In some cases, ticks can pass on infections to humans like Lyme disease. This happens in the same way as it does with dogs, through the bite of an infected tick. The risk is still relatively low, but it’s not something to ignore completely.

If you do notice any symptoms or feel unwell after being bitten, it’s always best to speak to a healthcare professional. Just like with dogs, early advice and treatment will make things much easier.

Ticks might not be the nicest part of having a dog, but they’re also not something to be feared. As you’ve seen, ticks on dogs are fairly common, and in most cases, they’re easy to manage with the right approach. Knowing what to look for, how to remove them safely and how to keep on top of prevention is all you need.

With a few simple habits like regular checks, grooming and having a tick remover tool to hand, you’re already doing everything you need to keep your pup protected. It’s much more about staying aware than it is about worrying.

At the end of the day, ticks shouldn’t take away from the fun. Long walks and grassy adventures are all part of life with our pups, and they’re worth it. As long as you’re checking your dog regularly and handling any ticks properly if they do show up, you’ll be absolutely fine and your dog will be too.

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