How to Spot a Tick on a Dog?
Sandra Tashkovska
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Jan 06, 2026
A lot of people find ticks by accident. You’re petting your fur baby or running your hand along their neck, then you suddenly feel something small that wasn’t there before. That moment is usually when your heart drops.
Ticks are easy to miss. They don’t make noise. They don’t leave a smell. Most of the time, they’re already attached before you have any idea they’re there.
Knowing what to look for and where to check can save you a lot of stress. Catching a tick early makes the removal easier. And, your dog is less likely to end up sore or irritated.
In this guide, you’ll learn how ticks look on dogs, where they like to hide, how to check your dog properly, and what to do if you find one.
Why It’s Important to Spot a Tick Early
Ticks don’t rush. They move through the fur until they find a warm, protected spot. Then, they settle in and hide for as long as they can. Once these parasites attach, they start feeding slowly.
Checking for ticks is not just one more thing on your to-do list. It really matters for your pets’ health and comfort. Skipping checks is a bit like skipping dental care. It seems fine at first, until it suddenly isn’t.
The longer a tick stays attached, the more issues it can cause. You don’t want your dog to end up with irritated skin or other issues even after the tick is removed, right? When you catch one, remove it quickly.
What Does a Tick Look Like on a Dog?
Ticks have a firm, oval-shaped body. When they first attach, they lie flat against the skin. Then, they become rounder and more visible. The texture is one of the biggest clues that you are dealing with a tick.
When you touch a tick, it often feels:
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Like it is sitting on top of the skin
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Slightly raised
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Firm rather than soft
Ticks can be brown, black, slightly red, or pale gray once they’ve been feeding. They often look darker than the surrounding skin and stand out more the longer they stay attached.
These parasites are easy to miss, especially on dogs with thick or dark fur. Another thing is that what you see and feel can change depending on how long it has been there.
A newly attached tick is tiny. Most people notice it by touch before seeing it, because it feels like a grain of sand or a small bump that doesn’t quite belong.
As the tick grows, it fills up and becomes more noticeable. It might even swell to the size of a pea or bigger. If a bump seems to be getting bigger every day, that’s usually a sign something isn’t right.
Ticks vs Skin Tags, Scabs, or Other Bumps
No one wants to pull at something that turns out to be part of their pet’s body. This is why most people pause and think whether to pull it or not. How to tell them apart?
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Scabs usually feel dry and flat.
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Skin tags are softer and clearly connected to the skin.
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A tick feels like it’s sitting on the skin rather than growing from it. It may shift a little under your fingers.
If a bump feels new and out of place, it’s worth taking a second look. Better lighting helps. So does taking a breath and checking again.
Common Places Where Ticks Hide
Ticks like comfort, so they choose warm and protected areas where they’re less likely to be bothered. That’s why some spots on your pet deserve more attention.
Here are the most common areas you should check:
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Inside and around the ears
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The base of the tail
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Along the neck and under the collar
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Under thick or matted fur
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Around the eyes and muzzle
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Armpits and inner legs
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Between the toes
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The groin area
Ticks can hide surprisingly well. Search the same area thoroughly and a few times to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
Signs Your Dog May Have a Tick
Sometimes your dog notices a tick before you ever do. You can see small changes in your dog’s behavior. It can be the first hint that something is bothering them.
Watch for:
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Repeated scratching in the same area
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Licking or chewing one specific spot
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Sensitivity when a certain area is touched
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Head shaking or signs of ear discomfort
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Small scabs, redness, or irritated skin
These signs do not always mean there’s a tick. But if something feels off, trust that feeling. You know your dog’s normal behavior better than anyone. Check if something is wrong.
How to Check Your Dog for Ticks
You do not need fancy tools or special equipment to check your fur baby. Your hands, your eyes, and a little patience are enough.
Making tick checks part of your routine helps you catch them early. Most people usually check their dogs:
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After walks or hikes
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After time in the yard
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Before bedtime
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Daily during warmer months
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After visits to parks or wooded areas
Many owners usually do a quick check while brushing or during evening cuddle time.
How to Check
When checking, start at your dog’s head and slowly work your way back. Run your fingers through the fur. Feel for anything that seems raised or out of place.
Spend a little extra time around the ears, under the collar, around the paws, and near the base of the tail. These spots are easy to miss. Take your time and let your dog stay relaxed.
If your dog has long hair or the lighting isn’t great, you can use a small flashlight to see better. Anything firm or unfamiliar is worth a closer look.
How to Remove a Tick from a Dog
So, it’s time to quickly remove the tick you’ve found on your dog. If you decide to do it yourself, here’s what you should do:
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Use tweezers or a tick removal tool
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Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
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Pull straight out with a slow and steady motion
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Put the extracted tick in alcohol or flush it down the toilet
No twisting, crushing, burning, or applying oils. These can irritate the skin and make it harder to remove the tick.
Once it’s removed, your job is not quite done yet. Clean the spot and check for redness, swelling, or discharge.
Also, watch your dog for changes in energy or behavior. Some symptoms linked to infections caused by a tick can appear days or even weeks later. If you notice fever, vomiting, swollen joints, or diarrhea, contact a vet asap.
Don’t forget to give your fur baby a snack, because they deserve it.
If you’re not confident doing it yourself, or if anything looks off afterward, a vet can take care of it quickly and safely.
Flea and Tick Prevention Solutions for Dogs
Finding even one tick often makes owners rethink prevention. They start looking for solutions that stop ticks from attaching in the first place.
FurLife offers natural products to help you prevent ticks from attaching to your fur baby. Check them out and find what works best.
Before you choose, think about how your dog usually spends their time. Some dogs do best with long-term options. Others only need extra support after hikes or days spent outdoors.
Long-Term Prevention Options
These options run in the background with minimal effort on your part.
This is a pendant that attaches to your dog’s collar and provides year-round support. It suits owners who want a low-maintenance option without monthly treatments.
An adjustable collar that provides extended coverage. It is a solid choice for everyday prevention without applying anything.
Routine and On-Demand Protection
Some situations call for extra care, especially after hikes, yard time, or travel.
Quick to apply and easy to keep on hand. Many owners use it after outdoor activities or with long-term options during peak seasons.
Works naturally as part of bath time and helps clean the coat after outdoor exposure. Often used after muddy days or during times when ticks are more common.
Internal Support Options
Internal support can be a helpful alternative for dogs that don’t do well with topical products.
Easy to give and simple to work into a daily routine. Many owners prefer these because there’s no mess and no need to apply anything.
FAQs
Can ticks fall off dogs on their own?
Sometimes, but you should never count on it. Many ticks stay attached until they finish feeding. It can take several days during which they continue to irritate the skin and cause discomfort. If you find a tick, the safest option is to remove it.
Are ticks easier to spot on light-colored dogs?
Yes, dark ticks are usually easier to see on light fur. That said, color alone does not make checks reliable. Feeling the skin with your hands is often more effective than looking.
Can indoor dogs get ticks?
Yes. Ticks can enter on clothing, shoes, other pets, or even on bags placed on the floor. So, dogs that rarely go outdoors can still pick up ticks.
Do ticks die after biting a dog?
No. A tick stays alive while feeding and often survives until it is removed. Some can live for long periods without a host.
Bottom Line
When you’re caring for a dog, it’s important to pay attention to even the smallest things. When you know what your dog’s skin and fur normally feel like, it’s easier to catch changes early.
Spotting ticks should be a part of their routine. To keep things simple, do regular checks and take early action when you catch anything. It keeps your dog more comfortable, you stress less, and everyone gets better sleep.
Of course, choosing the right products plays a big part here. Consider your options and choose the ones that work best for you and your fur baby.
