How to Check for Ticks on Dogs: Signs, Risks, and Safe Removal

July 24, 2025

What’s small, sneaky & loves your dog? Yep, it’s ticks

They hide in grass, latch on quietly, and feed off your dog’s blood, often without you noticing until it’s too late. While your dog is busy sniffing and exploring, a tick could already be on board.

They may be tiny, but the problems they cause aren’t. From Lyme disease to joint pain and fatigue, tick bites can lead to serious health issues if not caught early.

Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead and how to build a daily tick check routine that’s simple, effective, and easy to stick to.

What Happens If a Tick Bites Your Dog?

A tick bite on a dog might seem harmless at first, but it can carry dangerous bacteria that cause tick-borne illnesses. Some symptoms may not show up for weeks, and they’re often mistaken for other common issues.

Symptoms of Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs

Sudden lameness (often shifting between legs)
Swollen joints
Loss of appetite
Fatigue or low energy
Fever
Vomiting
Pale gums
Nosebleeds or unexplained bruising

If your dog shows any of these signs, especially after recent outdoor activity, it’s time to call your vet. They may recommend testing or early treatment.

Common Tick-Borne Illnesses in Dogs

Ticks can transmit a variety of diseases. Here are the most common ones to look out for:

Lyme disease: Causes lameness, joint swelling, fatigue, and in severe cases, kidney damage
Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Triggers fever, muscle pain, appetite loss, and lameness
Ehrlichiosis: Leads to weight loss, fever, bleeding problems, and muscle pain
Anaplasmosis: Results in joint pain, stiffness, lethargy, and bleeding issues

Early detection matters, most of these conditions are treatable when caught in time.

What To Do If You Find a Tick on Your Dog

Removing a tick safely is key to preventing infection. Follow this step-by-step tick removal guide if you spot a tick on your dog

Use fine-tipped tweezers
Grasp the tick close to the skin
Pull upward with steady, even pressure (don’t twist)
Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or mild soap and water
Save the tick in a sealed bag or take a photo in case your vet needs to identify it

Avoid myths like burning the tick or smothering it with oil, these can do more harm than good.

Tick Prevention Tips

Avoid tall grass, dense woods, and leaf litter
Stick to clear, open trails when walking
Keep your lawn trimmed and remove yard debris
Ask your veterinarian about local tick risks and preventative medications
Do daily full-body tick checks after outdoor play

How to Do a Daily Tick Check on Your Dog

Clean paws and coat after every walk
Visually inspect warm, hidden areas: ears, groin, armpits, tail base, between toes
Run your fingers over your dog’s skin to feel for any bumps or attached ticks

It only takes a couple of minutes, and it can save your dog weeks of discomfort or illness.

How Dandylion Supports Your Dog’s Tick Care Routine

At Dandylion, we make clean, safe grooming products that help support your daily dog care, including easy tick prevention checks.

Our Fresh Coat No-Rinse Daily Cleansing Spray gently lifts dirt and debris from your dog’s coat and gives you the ability to help inspect the skin and fur more easily after outdoor walks. Our Clean Paws Cleanser effectively washes away allergens, debris, and also gives you the ability to check between toes and pads, a common hiding spot for ticks. The Soft Paws Lotion keeps paw pads soft and healthy. Lets you do one final scan for any irritation, cracks, or embedded pests.

All of our products are vet-approved, free of harsh chemicals, and safe for daily use, making it easy to stay consistent without adding stress to your routine.

Final Thoughts

Ticks may be small, but the risks they pose are big. The good news? With a little consistency and the right tools, tick prevention can become a natural part of your daily routine.

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