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My dog had an engorged tick. Does she need a vet visit for disease?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 35 lbs

I found an engorged tick on my dog's neck after a hike we took 1 week ago. I removed the tick and cleaned the area, but do I need to take her in for a vet visit? She gets treated monthly with Advantage Multi, but it doesn't cover ticks.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 17th, 2020

As long as the area on Miley's skin looks okay (no significant redness or swelling), then you don't need to take her to the vet right away after finding an attached tick. If the tick was attached for long enough to transmit disease, like Lyme disease, Ehrlichia or Anaplasma, then it takes about 6 months for a blood test to diagnose an infection. Unfortunately, there are no measures to take to stop any of these diseases if she's already been infected. I would certainly mention this tick attachment to Miley's vet the next time she goes in for an exam because her vet will most likely recommend running a tick-borne disease blood test about 6 months from the date of tick exposure. In the long run, definitely add some tick prevention in for Miley. Seresto collars, K9 Advantix II, Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica or Credelio are all great options to discuss with your vet. I hope this helps and that everything goes well!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Miley. Yes, I do recommend that qhe sees her veterinarian. You will want to discuss a proper tick preventive for her. Ticks are able to spread infectious diseases to pets so this should be discussed as well. I hope this information helps!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 7th, 2017
Hello, sorry to hear about Cooper. The big tick borne disease that we worry about is Lyme disease. The tick must be attached for atleast 24hrs before if can transmit the disease. Additionally, not all ticks carry the lyme bacteria or the other tick borne diseases. I would recommend watching Cooper for signs of lethargy, fever, pale mucus membranes and painful joints in the future. Cooper does not need antibiotics unless it is confirmed with a test that he has an active infection for a tick borne disease.

Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 28th, 2016
I would monitor him for now. You did the right thing by removing the tick, and cleaning around the area. It can take 2-5 months for symptoms of tick borne disease, such as Lyme disease to appear. I would monitor the bite site, and if swelling in the area increases or doesn't go away, then I would take him into the vet. Monitor him as well for signs including lethargy, fever, lameness, swollen joints, and anorexia. If you see any of those signs, I would take him into the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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