My dog has a red mark after a tick bite. Should I worry about Lyme?

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.

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.

It’s common for a tick bite to have a raised firm nodule in the skin for several weeks. Be patient I expect this to go away in time. If not I recommend surgical removal and biopsy to get rid of it and check it for abnormal cells. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Amos.

Most of the time ticks will leave behind an area of irritation. As long as it is not bothering Jack, I would just keep an eye on it. If you are not on oral tick / flea prevention, I would strongly recommend putting Jack on something as a monthly preventive. If it begins to look infected, then I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at it so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made.

No worries. This is just a tick dermatitis which is a local allergic reaction to the tick. Try applying a small amount of topical Neosporin to the area. This should resolve in a few days. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Take care.

Hi there. Monitor Hogan for any signs of illness over the next month. Generally, tick-borne diseases cause non-specific signs such as fever, decreased appetite, swollen lymph nodes, and lethargy within the first 4 weeks after a tick bite. Dogs can get a skin infection or irritation from a tick bite - it is hard to tell exactly what they look like without a photo - but if you are concerned have your veterinarian take a look. And if you notice that he is not feeling well, take him to a vet right away. In the future definitely plan to use a veterinarian-approved tick product and check Hogan for ticks every time he comes inside.

This doesn't look like a tick bite, more likely a wasp or bee sting that Milo may have scratched. Please clean it with antibacterial soap, rinse it well, dry the area then apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. You can also put a little bit of cortisone cream on it to prevent itching. Please use a restraint collar is needed to prevent Milo from licking it. If it gets bigger, painful or Milo becomes lethargic and not eating then I would recommend a veterinary visit. I do expect with your home care that this will heal fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Milo.