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What's this on my dog's lip? Is it a tick to remove while traveling?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | neutered | 9 years and 5 months old | 86 lbs

Is this a tick that I need to pull off on my dog's lip? We are traveling and have no vet access.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Mariya Gugel, DVM

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 23rd, 2017

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While that does look like it could be a tick, it is difficult to see from the photo. Ticks are also usually found in haired areas of skin rather than the lips. Because it is not clear what this is, I do not recommend removing it from Charlie yourself. Especially because of the proximity to the mouth and possibility that Charlie may bite if painful. If this is truly a tick, Charlie should be seen by a vet, as ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other blood parasites, and he may need to be put on prophylactic antibiotics. If this is a mass, your vet can elect to remove it under light sedation or anesthesia and send it off to lab as a biopsy. I recommend having Charlie seen by a vet as soon as you are able to and hope all is well!
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