LoneStarMapPets & Yard
Ticks on Dogs: Prevention, Removal, and What to Discuss With Your Vet
How to spot ticks on dogs, how to safely remove them, and what to ask your vet about tick prevention products year-round.
Pets & Yard 6 min read Updated 2026-06-01Educational — not medical advice
Medical disclaimer. LoneStarMap is an educational resource. This article is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a licensed healthcare professional. If you're having a severe reaction, call 911. For symptoms or questions, contact your doctor or an allergist.
Dogs are tick magnets. They brush past brush, sniff leaf litter, and bring ticks indoors for the rest of the family. A consistent prevention routine — and quick removal when you find one — protects them and you.
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Where to check your dog
- Inside and around the ears.
- Under the collar and around the neck.
- Between the toes and around the paws.
- Armpits, groin, and under the tail.
- Run your hands over the whole body feeling for small bumps.
How to remove a tick from a dog
- Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp close to the skin.
- Pull straight up with steady, even pressure.
- Clean the bite area and your hands.
- Save the tick if you'd like to identify it later.
Talk to your vet about
- Year-round tick prevention products appropriate for your dog's size, age, and lifestyle.
- Tick-borne disease screening if you live in a high-pressure region.
- What to watch for after a known bite (lethargy, lameness, loss of appetite).
Key takeaways
- Do a full tick check every time your dog comes inside during peak season.
- Year-round prevention is generally easier than seasonal start/stop.
- Cats and dogs have very different product safety profiles — never share between them without a vet's okay.
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Reminder: this article is general education. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for tick-borne conditions and alpha-gal syndrome should always be handled by a licensed medical professional. Review our sources and disclaimer.