Finding ticks on your dog early is key to preventing tick-related illnesses such as Lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis and canine anaplasmosis. Symptoms such conditions can cause include joint pain, fever, loss of appetite and swollen lymph nodes, and can lead to fatal conditions. By knowing what to look for, you can remove ticks from your pets early enough to reduce risks to their health.
Instructions
Check your dog's skin for the parasite. Ticks are large enough that pet owners should be able to see them. The challenge, however, is seeing them through the pet's fur. Run your hand slowly against the grain of your dog's fur and look closely at his skin. Ticks that have recently or not yet attached to your dog's skin will usually be dark-colored and have a flat body. Once the tick has burrowed, however, its body will puff up and become lighter. Be sure to check your dog's ears as well.
Check areas where your dog scratches. Like when we get bitten by mosquitoes, dogs bitten by ticks will have an urge to scratch in the affected area. If you notice your dog scratching any area more than usual, check that spot thoroughly for ticks.
Note changes in your dog's behavior. Dogs that have become infected by a tick bit might have a fever or become lethargic and refuse to eat. They also may suffer from paralysis. Keep in mind, though, that such symptoms might not show up for as much as six months after your dog becomes infected. Therefore, physically checking your dog's skin for ticks periodically is best.