By PupWellnessHub Editorial Team. PupWellnessHub focuses on practical, lower-toxicity prevention habits. We do not replace veterinary care. Heartworm prevention, severe infestations, puppies, senior dogs, pregnant dogs, and dogs with seizures or chronic illness should always be discussed with a veterinarian.
Ticks are patient. They can crawl through fur, settle into protected areas, and stay unnoticed until they are attached.
A calm tick-check routine after outdoor time is one of the simplest ways to lower risk, especially if your dog hikes, explores brush, or lies in grass.
Quick takeaways
- Check hidden warm areas after outdoor time.
- Remove attached ticks promptly with steady upward pressure.
- Avoid burning, twisting, alcohol, or petroleum jelly tricks.
- Save the tick or take a photo if your veterinarian asks.
- Watch for illness signs after a bite and call your vet with concerns.
Where ticks hide
- In and around the ears
- Around eyelids and eyebrows
- Under the collar or harness
- Under front legs
- Between toes
- Between back legs
- Around the tail
How to remove a tick
Use a tick remover or fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. Clean the area afterward and wash your hands.
If part of the mouth remains, the skin may push it out over time, but call your veterinarian if the area becomes red, swollen, painful, or infected-looking.
What not to do
| Do not | Reason |
|---|---|
| Burn the tick | Can burn your dog and does not help safe removal |
| Smother with petroleum jelly | Delays removal |
| Twist aggressively | Can break the tick apart |
| Use bare fingers | Increases exposure and makes removal harder |
After removal
- Clean the bite area.
- Note the date and where the tick may have been picked up.
- Watch for appetite change, fever, limping, swelling, fatigue, or behavior changes.
- Ask your veterinarian whether tick testing or a visit is needed in your region.
Helpful next reads
Sources and further reading
FAQ
Should I remove a tick from my dog right away?
Yes. Remove attached ticks promptly and contact your veterinarian if you are unsure how or if symptoms appear later.
Can ticks hide between dog toes?
Yes. Between the toes is a common place to check after walks in grass or brush.
Should I put alcohol on a tick before removing it?
No. Remove the tick first with a proper tool, then clean the bite area afterward.