Tick on finger with dog in the background

How Do I Get Rid of Ticks on My Dog?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, then pulling “upward with steady, even pressure” without twisting or jerking. After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.¹ Your vet can also provide advice for removing ticks, and recommend a reliable tick control product.

Get My Dog Tick Protection

1_07 Tick

What Are the Signs of Ticks on Dogs?

When looking for ticks, you may feel or spot ticks on your dog’s body underneath their fur. When it first attaches, an adult tick will look like a tiny round bug with eight legs. After feeding, it will swell up to look bloated and bluish-gray, and eventually detach. If that tick has already detached, you may notice a small bump, lump, or red rash at the site of the bite.

How Does Oral Tick Protection for Dogs Work?

When a dog takes NexGard^® (afoxolaner), the active ingredient protects them by spreading throughout their system. When a tick bites, they get a tiny dose of that active ingredient, which is designed to quickly kill them. However, the active ingredient will eventually leave your dog’s body, which is why it’s important to dose on a regular schedule.

Woman administering NexGard chew to German Shepherd

What Are the Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs?

Many dogs with a Lyme infection will not show symptoms, and may not display any noticeable, abnormal signs. Common signs in dogs with Lyme disease include fever, lameness, swollen joints, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, Lyme disease can progress to a condition that causes serious damage to the kidneys, and is often fatal. Lyme disease can be tough to spot, which is why reducing your dog’s risk is so important.