Ticks can be as small as a pinhead but can cause big problems for you and your pet. Don’t assume your pets don’t have ticks just because you can’t see them. Check all your pets, including indoor-only pets, for ticks every day. Indoor pets can get a tick from your clothing or other pets who go outside.
How To Check for Ticks
Start with their head. Comb through their fur with your fingers. Check their whiskers, nose, and ears. Press gently on your pet, feeling for any bumps on their skin. Look for a black, brown, or grayish-brown-looking bug.
Next, move down their body, checking their belly, back, and paws.
Look in between their toes, especially if they have walked or ran in areas that had tall grass.
Check their tail, even if the tail is bobbed. Short tails can still pick up parasites from other dogs or outdoor areas.
If you find a tick, you will want to remove it as soon as possible. Get step-by-step instructions in our article, “How to Remove a Tick.”
Protection Starts with Prevention Now that checking your pet for ticks is part of your daily routine, let’s discuss prevention. Keeping your pet safe from disease-carrying ticks starts with a conversation with your veterinarian about the best options for your pet based on age and weight. When purchasing a preventive, read the label closely to ensure the product kills fleas and ticks and prevents new infestations.
