You’ve had a great day. Long hike, a romp in the park, maybe a roll in some tall grass. Your dog is happily worn out. Before you both collapse on the couch, there’s one more thing worth doing: a quick tick check.
It takes a few minutes, it’s free, and it can save you from a lot of trouble. Here’s how I do it, step by step.
Why checking matters
Ticks don’t spread disease the moment they bite. In many cases, they need to stay attached for a while before passing anything on. That means finding and removing them early can lower the risk.
Even if your dog is on tick prevention, no product is perfect. Checking is a good backup.
When to check
Ideally right after you come in from being outdoors, and again a day or so later. Ticks can take time to find a spot and attach, so a second check catches ones you missed.
Make it part of your routine, like wiping paws or hanging up the leash.
What you’ll need
Not much. A well-lit spot, a comb, fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, a small container or zip bag, rubbing alcohol or antiseptic, and some treats. The treats matter. If your dog enjoys the process, it’s much easier.
Where ticks like to hide
Ticks go for warm, hidden places. Check these areas carefully: around the ears and inside the ear flaps, around the eyes and eyelids, under the collar or harness, between the toes and paw pads, under the legs and armpits, around the groin and tail base, inside the tail, and under the chin and around the mouth.
Don’t forget the belly and chest. Ticks can be tiny, especially young ones, sometimes about the size of a poppy seed.
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How to do the check
Start by getting your dog relaxed. Have them lie or stand comfortably, and talk to them in a calm voice. Hand them a treat or two.
Run your hands slowly over their whole body, pressing gently, feeling for small bumps. Go against the direction of the fur, so you can see the skin. A bump that wasn’t there before could be a tick.
For thick or long coats, use a comb to part the fur and look closely. A flashlight helps in dark or dense areas.
Take your time with the ears, feet, and other creases. These are favorite spots. Spread the toes, check between each one, and look at the skin around the nails.
Work your way systematically, from head to tail, so you don’t skip anything. If your dog is wiggly, split it into a couple of short sessions.
What a tick looks like
Unfed ticks are flat and small, often brown or black. Once they’ve fed, they swell up and can look gray, tan, or bluish, like a little bean or wart.
Sometimes they’re mistaken for skin tags, scabs, or moles. If you’re unsure, look closely, and see if it has legs near the head end. If something looks suspicious, treat it as a tick until proven otherwise.
How to remove a tick safely
Stay calm and move slowly. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Get as close to your dog’s skin as you can, grasp the tick by the head or mouthparts, and pull straight out with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk, and don’t squeeze the body, since that can push fluids back into the skin.
After removal, check that you got the whole tick. If part of the mouth is left behind, don’t dig around. It will usually work itself out, but mention it to your vet if the area looks irritated.
Put the tick in a sealed container or bag. Some people drop it in rubbing alcohol. You can note the date and keep it in case your dog gets sick.
Clean the bite area with antiseptic, and wash your hands and tools.
What not to do
Skip the home remedies. Petroleum jelly, nail polish, heat, or essential oils don’t work and can cause the tick to release more fluids. Don’t try to burn it or smother it. And don’t crush it with your fingers.
After the removal
Keep an eye on the spot. A little redness is normal for a few days. If the area gets swollen, develops pus, or doesn’t heal, check with your vet.
Also watch your dog’s behavior over the following weeks. Fever, tiredness, limping, loss of appetite, or other changes could signal a tick-borne illness. Tell your vet about the tick bite, since that helps them decide what to test for.
Making it easier for your dog
If your dog hates being handled, take it slow. Pair the checks with treats, keep sessions short, and praise them for staying calm. Dogs can learn to tolerate it, even enjoy it.
Grooming tools like a soft brush or comb can make it feel more like a massage.
Reduce risk before you go out
Check with your vet about preventive products. Stay on trails and avoid tall grass and brush when possible. Keep your yard tidy, with trimmed grass and cleared leaf litter. Consider light-colored gear for your dog, which makes ticks easier to spot.
Check yourself too
Ticks don’t care whose blood they get. After being outside, look over your own body, your kids, and any gear you carry. Showering soon after can help wash off unattached ticks.
A quick routine you can remember
Come in. Take off the leash and harness. Run your hands over your dog from nose to tail, checking the hot spots. Remove any ticks. Clean up. Reward your dog. Repeat the next day.
It really only takes a few minutes. And like most things, it gets faster with practice.
The takeaway
Checking for ticks is one of the simplest ways to protect your dog. It doesn’t replace preventive medication, but it adds a safety net.
Build the habit, stay gentle, and make it a positive experience. Your dog will thank you, probably by falling asleep on your feet.
