Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog was bitten by a tick. What signs mean he needs a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 8 months old

My dog was bitten by a tick, how do I know when and if I should take him to the vet?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 13th, 2016

Great questions! I would make sure that the tick is completely removed from Tupac, taking care that the head and mouth are gone as well. If you are concerned that you were not able to remove the head and mouth, I would take him into a vet now to get it removed. Monitor the bite region for signs of swelling and rash, and if you see those in that area, I would take Tupac into the vet. In addition, I would monitor him for signs of lethargy, high fever, lameness, swollen joints, swollen lymph nodes, and anorexia. If you see any of those signs, you will need to take him into the vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog had a huge tick. What should I watch for to know he's okay?

I wish I could say KD is ok, but I can't say for certain without seeing him in person. Check out this PetCoach article on things to watch for: https://www.petcoach.co/article/8-common-signs-of-lyme-disease-in-dogs/

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog had a fat tick I thought was a scab. What should I do?

It's very important to make sure you removed the head of the tick, and if you think you didn't, I would take Lady into the vet to get it removed. Clean the area with an antiseptic wash, and keep an eye on the area for signs of infection. If the area becomes red or inflamed, take her into the vet. Also monitor her for signs of fever, anorexia, reluctance to move, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, I would take her into the vet right away.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's tick fell off, but is the head still in? What should I do?

I don't like how it has a dark circle in the photo. I recommend to have this examined by the veterinarian. Depending on disease prevalence in your area, the doctor may recommend prophylactic treatment for tick borne disease or may discuss vaccines for Lyme disease. I hope this helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 11-month puppy had a tick removed, but has no symptoms. Vet needed?

It is likely you will not see clinical symptoms for any tuck borne disease this soon if Otis were to contract one of the diseases. I would recommend starting a flea and tick preventative such as Nexgard and have Otis monitored for tick borne diseases once yearly. The test is cheap and your vet can run it in the hospital. It is a simple snap test that takes 15 minutes to run. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My vaccinated dog has a tick. Should I be concerned about disease?

I would not be overly concerned with one tick, especially if he had his vaccination. We can, however, depending on your geographical location have other diseases (such as rocky mountain spotted fever or anaplasmosis or ehrlichia. These aren't extremely common but are possible. If you notice any lethargy/decreased appetite or lameness in Champ then I would recommend bringing him in to the vet for an examination and letting them know about the tick exposure. I would also talk to your vet about starting a good tick preventative to prevent ticks in the future.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My new puppy had ticks. Do I need a vet check after removal?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is no need to take him to the vet due to the ticks. Be sure to get him in to the vet soon though for vaccines, start heart worm and flea/tick medications and to have him dewormed. Bring a stool sample. If he hasn’t had any vaccines yet he should be seen next week. If he has received his first vaccines (DHPP) the he needs it boosted 3-4weeks later. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has ticks. Should I take him to a vet or groomer for removal?

Absolutely YES!!! I would recommend to have him checked by your veterinarian so an effective treatment to prevent tick infestation can be given as well.. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share