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Dog's tick bite spot is red, hard, and growing. Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Male | neutered | 2 years and 2 months old | 45 lbs

I removed a deer tick from right above my dogs eye lid. This was on Feb. 17th. He developed a red bald space around the site. The Dr. Checked and the head was intact to the tick and not puss from site even though it was raised. Antibiotics for 7 days. The spot has gotten bigger and harder, no puss. He is not showing any signs of being sick. 10 days of antibiotics starting today. Wondering if I should have asked for a needle biopsy or continue to wait and see? I am worried.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on March 19th, 2018

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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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.

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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.

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Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This would not be normal after tick removal especially since it has been three weeks ago. I suspect the head (or some part of the head of the tick) may still be embedded into the deeper tissue. You will need to take Jake to your vet for them to check it and he may need to be sedated so the wound can be explored. You can also speak to your vet about what tick preventative would be best to use going forward to hopefully prevent this from happening again. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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Hi and thanks for your request. This seems a chronic reaction of the skin (chronic inflammation) but is not concerning as it does not seems an active lesion at all. The lump should resolve with time but may take several weeks. If you notice any redness or if it becomes itchy then a check up will be required.

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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! : )

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My dog has a red ring or lump after tick removal. Is it serious?

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My dog has a lump after tick removal. Is this normal or painful?

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