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What Does a Tick Look like on a Dog? ​​

What Does a Tick Look like on a Dog? With Rory the Vet
What Does a Tick Look like on a Dog? With Rory the Vet

An unfortunate part of being a dog parent? Ticks. It’s not uncommon for dogs to have ticks. Since they spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s fairly easy to pick them up. Which is why it’s helpful to learn how to deal with them should your furry friend catch any. Rory the Vet gives us his guidance on everything tick related, answering questions such as: what does a tick look like on a dog? How do I get rid of them? And, what can be done to prevent them?

MEET RORY THE VET

We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet.

Follow him on Instagram


Picture of Rory the Vet

MEET RORY THE VET

We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet..

Follow him on Instagram

What are dog ticks?​​

The three most common ticks are Ioxodes, Dermacentor and Rhipicephalus. They latch onto your pet with specially designed mouthpieces that allow them to bite and feed for a number of hours to days.


Not only can ticks be uncomfortable for dogs, but they can also negatively impact their health by transmitting diseases such as Ehrlichia, Richetsial and Lyme disease.


Where do dogs pick up ticks?

Ticks thrive in high-moisture environments where there’s some protection from the sun and furry hosts to feed on. Which is why dogs usually pick them up in rural areas, such as farmland, woodland and areas with tall grass.


a dog sitting on the grass
a dog sitting on the grass

When is tick season in the UK?

While ticks can be found all year round, their peak time is during the summer months when it is hot and humid, and there are plenty of furry mammals wandering around for them to attach onto and feed.


If you live in a tick endemic area, it is a good idea to get into a habit of regularly checking your dog’s coat for ticks after every walk. Read on to learn how to recognise if your pooch has picked up a tick.


What does a tick look like on a dog?

So, the important question: how can I tell if my dog has a tick? First things first, it would help to know what ticks look like when they are attached to or burrowed in your dog.


• Shape: Round, and if latched on, their head will not be visible as it is in the dog’s body. They can look like a little pimple or a skin tag raised from the skin’s surface when attached


• Size: They can vary from a few mm to 1 cm, depending on how long they have been feeding on your pet


• Legs: Look closely – you should be able to see eight legs sticking out of their body


• Colour: this can vary from dark brown to light grey and white depending on the species


The key spots where ticks are most found are around your dog’s ears, feet and crevices such as armpits and legpits, so make sure to give these areas a thorough inspection.


illustration of a tick on a dog
illustration of a tick on a dog

How can I tell if my dog has a tick?

Now you have an idea of what a tick looks like, the next question is: how can I tell if my dog has a tick?


Besides spotting a tick on your dog, there are other indications that your dog is carrying a tick. These include irritation, swelling and bumps on their skin. After taking your dog on a walk, run your hands over their body to check for any unusual small bumps.


There are also other, more serious, symptoms, such as fever, stiffness and loss of energy or appetite, that may indicate that your dog has a tick-borne disease. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, you need to contact your veterinarian immediately. You can find more information on tick-borne diseases here.


What to do if your dog has a tick

If you have identified a tick, then it’s important that it be removed as fast and as safely as possible. As I discussed earlier, ticks carry diseases, so removing them immediately is vital. The best way to do this is with a tick removal tool, which you can pick up at the vets.


• First, ensure that your dog is kept still in a comfortable position


• Gently grip the visible part of the tick with the removal tool


• Using the gentle twist and pull motion, delicately remove the tick from the skin, taking care not to squeeze too hard


• Safely dispose it and clean the area with soapy water


Note – as you remove the tick, make sure you don’t squeeze its body or leave its head in! This can push blood back into your pet, which can increase the chance of them getting a disease.


a dog sitting and looking at the camera
a dog sitting and looking at the camera

How can I prevent my dog from getting ticks?

Luckily for your pooch, there are various treatments you can use that will either kill or repel ticks from your pet, from spot-on treatments to tablets. Discuss with your vet which treatment is best for your dog.


Rory the vet stroking a dog
Rory the vet stroking a dog

If in doubt, consult your vet.

I hope that has answered all of your tick-related queries, from identifying, preventing and removing – this should cover all the essential questions when it comes to these parasites. But if you’re still unsure how to remove a tick, make sure to consult with your vet who can show you exactly what to do.





The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.

Published on 24/01/2025

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