Will Leaving Part of the Head of a Tick in a Dog Harm the Dog?

When a tick bites your dog, he sinks in more than just his teeth -- he actually buries his head under your pet's skin, staying lodged in one place while he gorges himself. The longer he's in there, the greater the chance of infection with a disease like Lyme, so you need to remove him as soon as possible. If some of the head is left behind afterward, it could cause superficial harm.

  1. Disease Transmission

    • Hesitating to remove a tick from your dog increases the likelihood of transmission of diseases like Lyme and Ehrlichiosis. When you yank the tick out, you end the risk. Without his body sucking blood and transferring saliva into your pet, the tick can no longer circulate the diseases he carries. When the tick's no longer feeding, your dog's immune system will create a protective barrier around the tick's imbedded head so it can't transfer any more of its bacteria into his body.

    Getting Infected

    • Your dog can suffer relatively superficial harm if you leave part of the tick's head buried in his skin. That head will begin to decompose under your dog's skin and may cause a red, bumpy and visibly irritated infection. If you left some of the tick's head or mouthparts behind, keep an eye on the site of the bite for several days to make sure it isn't showing signs of infection.

    Seeing Your Vet

    • You may need to see your vet if your dog develops an infection. If you left parts of the tick imbedded in the skin, you can pre-emptively treat the site with a warm Epsom salt solution, mixed according to the instructions on the package -- gently wash the site with the solution for about five minutes a few times a day. Otherwise, take your dog to the vet to have the site checked out by a professional, especially if it shows signs of infection. You may take the tick's dead body with you to have it tested for disease.

    Proper Removal

    • Proper removal can prevent a tick head severing from occurring in the first place, so take the time to yank the parasite out carefully. Separate your dog's fur around the tick, and with a pair of tweezers, grab the tick's body as close to your dog's skin as possible. Firmly pull straight out in a smooth motion, no twist. This method is a relatively sure way to ensure that the head remains attached to the body when you pull. If you want to have the tick tested, seal him in a plastic baggie and freeze him. Otherwise, flush the tick down the toilet.