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Why is a dead tick attached to my dog? Does prevention cause this?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Catahoula Leopard Dog | Male | neutered | 17 lbs

HI there , I removed a tick off my dogs head last night . The tick looked exactly like a pimple . The tick was dead . I would like to know reasons why the tick would be dead and attached ? Is it not the point of the tick to suck blood while attached to keep alive ? I am confused as to why my dog had a dead tick attached. Any background information would be great , thanks .

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on January 6th, 2018

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

If your dog is on flea and tick prevention then that would cause the tick to die after it was attached. Most preventatives do not repell and the tick needs to attach and start to feed before the product kills them. Otherwise, the tick just may h ave simply died. They stay attached despite being dead. Are you sure it was a tick (just checking!!)? It had 8 legs? It may have been in a hibernating state if where you live is cold. I hope this answers your question, we just may never know why it was dead if your dog isn't on tick prevention.

Have a great day!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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