My German Shepherd pup has a bump after tick removal. Is it serious?

A tick bite typically leaves a "granuloma." This is a reaction to the tick's saliva. It should resolve on its own in a a few days to a few weeks. Monitor for signs of infection, lameness, lethargy, swollen or painful joints or fever. Use a [tick preventive](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-and-puppy-flea-and-tick) such as FrontLine, K9 Advantix, Bravecto, NexGard or a Seresto collar. Always check for [ticks on your dog](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-places-ticks-hide-on-dogs) upon returning home for outdoors.

At this point, there may not be much you can do other than monitor it closely and keep it clean and dry. Protect the lump from scratching or other trauma. Your normal vet may also be able to provide some guidance via telehealth. Make sure to have it checked out as soon as your veterinarian opens again. If the mass starts getting worse, call and see if any emergency clinics are still open. Also, it's likely there are still some normal veterinary clinics that are open and I recommend to call around and look. You need to make arrangements for an appointment ahead of time and follow the assigned protocols. I hope this helps.

I've seen this type of bump or sore after a tick or spider bite. It often lasts a few weeks and then resolves. If it's a mass and it enlarges please take him in to have it examined and removed if needed. As long as you are keeping an eye on it and it's not bothering your dog you can wait a week or two before getting it examined, as it may go away by then. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

A small amount of localized swelling and redness is a normal inflammatory reaction after tick removal. However, if the swelling and redness persists then you should have your vet take a look at it. You could clean the area with a wound wash and then apply a topical OTC antibiotic cream to the area. Make sure to use a good flea and tick prevention, NexGard, Bravecto, Credelio. Also, talk to your vet about vaccinating for Lyme disease is she isn't vaccinated. Monitor for any abnormal signs and talk your vet about yearly testing for tick borne diseases and heartworms.

This likley is some scar tissue left behind that was initially caused by a localized inflammatory response from the tick. However, to ensure it isn't something to be concerned about, you can opt to have this area tested through your vet with a skin cytology or biopsy. I hope that your fur baby Teddy does well moving forward. Best wishes and take care! : )

The lump is likely a reaction to the bite and the anticoagulant injected by the tick. It can take a few weeks for the lump to go away. Just monitor it for infection/pus/pain. If those signs appear, have your veterinarian examine the lump.

Unfortunately the color on the picture is quite distorted. However if appears to be a possible abscess (infected pocket caused by trauma to the skin) or a large inflammatory response to a bug bite (spider perhaps). It is large however and looks irritated so I would recommend having your vet examine this area closely. Jasmine will likely need some medicaitons to get this to resolve well. Poor girl. I hope she gets this resolved soon. Best wishes and take care.