What happens if a dog is bitten by a tick?

Generally speaking, when a dog is bitten by a tick, it will suffer from mechanical trauma and may experience mild itching, which can lead to the dog scratching the bitten area. Furthermore, ticks can transmit various pathogens, especially blood parasites, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue and anemia after infection. It is necessary to seek medical attention promptly.

Ticks are commonly found in grasslands and shrubs during the hot season. If your dog has visited these areas, it has a higher chance of being bitten by a tick. Since ticks are small in size and only become swollen after feeding on a large amount of blood, the dog's reaction to the bite is often mild or almost nonexistent, making it difficult to detect.

If you suspect that your dog has been bitten by a tick, it is advised to carefully inspect the dog's skin surface, especially the abdomen and sides. If you find a tick, do not panic and do not pull it out directly with your hands, as this can cause the tick's mouthparts to break off in the dog's skin, leading to severe skin or blood infection. It is recommended to bring your dog to a pet hospital as soon as possible, where the veterinarian will use a method to numb the tick and then remove it with a pair of tweezers. After removal, proper wound care should be performed to minimize the risk of infection.

Additionally, dogs bitten by ticks may also become infected with blood parasites. It is advisable to closely monitor your dog's condition and seek medical attention promptly if abnormal symptoms such as anemia and fatigue appear. Besides avoiding areas with grass and shrubs, it is necessary to regularly apply external parasite prevention medication to your dog.