Prevention · July 12, 2026 · 8 min read
Ticks on dogs: a two-minute check after coming home
Prevention does not end with a tablet, topical treatment, or collar. It also means checking the dog, cleaning resting areas, and choosing products for the right species and weight.
A small tick can disappear beneath a dog's coat. After a park, vacant lot, or walk through vegetation, run your hands slowly over the dog. Look inside and behind the ears, around the neck, in the armpits and groin, beneath the tail, and between the toes.
| Check | Check ears, neck, armpits, groin, tail, and the spaces between toes. |
|---|---|
| Prevent | Ask a veterinarian before combining or changing tick products. |
| Protect | Wash bedding and keep an eye on patios and cracks. |
| Before booking | Tell daycare or boarding staff about any recent tick finding. |
The check takes little time and gets easier when the dog learns to stand without fear. Use good light and part the coat. If you find an attached tick and do not know how to remove it, call the veterinarian for instructions. Crushing, burning, or covering it with a substance can make removal harder.
An effective check covers the dog, home, and calendar
After walks, field trips, or time in yards, use your hands to check the ears, eyelids, neck under the collar, armpits, groin, toes, and area around the tail. If a tick is attached, use fine-tipped tweezers close to the skin and pull steadily without crushing it. Wash your hands and the site, record the date, and contact a veterinarian if removal is incomplete or fever, lethargy, appetite loss, or neurological changes develop.
Prevention should not be chosen by brand alone. Species, weight, age, health, environment, and the presence of cats change which product is safe; some products made for dogs are dangerous to cats. A sustained veterinary plan, cleaning of bedding and crevices, vegetation control, and checks of every animal in the home work better than isolated remedies after an infestation is established.
Sources consulted
Adapted from Mexico's Health Ministry information on pet care, home cleaning, and rickettsiosis prevention.
