Why are there red bumps and dead ticks still attached to my dog?

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!

It looks like the tick came out in one piece. When a tick bites, the saliva can cause a localized reaction leading to a firm granuloma. This should resolve on it's own over the next few weeks. In the meantime, consider an oral or topical preventative.

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.

Sometimes thed skin reacts to the tick bite with an overproduction of connective tissue fibers. This usually feels like a hard little knot. It is more a beauty issue than a medical issue. This is not something you have to worry about as long as it does not grow in size or changes color or shape. It will likely get smaller over the years or maybe stay the same.

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.

Hi ! Yes it is normal for a lump to be still there as the tick causes quite a bit of local inflammation. It is normal for a lump also to remain from now onwards, it is a normal reaction of the body. It would be important to know if the head of the tick has been removed or if it has been left under the skin. If left, it will contribute to inflammation and further treatment might be required. As this is the second time Joshie gets a tick this year I would recommend to use a product that prevents Joshie from getting ticks, I have used Seresto collars quite successfully for example. Hope this helps !

First of all, reactions to tick bites are not uncommon and can take a couple weeks to resolve. When you removed the tick, you might have left the tick's head in her, wich would cause a more severe reaction, it will still resolve itself in most cases, it will just take more time. You can put an antiseptic cream on it twice a day, it may help.