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Do dogs know they have a tick?


Ticks are common external parasites that can latch onto dogs and feed on their blood. These tiny pests can go undetected on a dog’s body for days or even weeks if the infestation is light. But dogs have some natural defenses that may alert them to the presence of ticks. Here we’ll explore what signs dogs show when they have ticks and whether they actually know these parasites are on them.

Do dogs feel ticks biting them?

When a tick first climbs onto a dog, the dog likely won’t feel it. Ticks have tiny claw-like structures that allow them to climb and cling to fur and skin. Their movements are usually subtle enough to avoid detection.

Once the tick finds a suitable spot, it will insert its feeding tube into the skin, often on a dog’s head, neck, ears, or feet. The tick secretes a natural anesthetic in its saliva, numbing the area so the dog can’t feel the bite. This helps the tick feed undisturbed for several days.

So during the actual tick bite and feeding, dogs generally don’t feel any pain or irritation. But some dogs may feel the pressure of a tick attaching and embedded in the skin. And if multiple ticks infest a dog, the cumulative sensation of numerous ticks biting may alert the dog.

Signs a dog may sense ticks

Though the tick numbs the bite area, dogs may exhibit the following signs suggesting they’re aware of ticks on them:

Excessive scratching or licking

Dogs may instinctively scratch or lick at areas with ticks even if they can’t directly feel the bite. This may be their attempt to remove irritants or discomfort they can sense on their bodies. Dogs with fleas will also scratch and lick frequently. So scratching alone isn’t definite proof a dog knows it has ticks.

Rubbing against furniture or rolling on the floor

Dogs intuitively try to dislodge parasites by rubbing up against furniture or rolling on the floor. The friction works to scrape off ticks and disrupt their attachment. Again, this isn’t definitive evidence a dog knows it specifically has ticks since dogs exhibit this behavior for other irritations too. But in a dog known to have ticks, increased rubbing may signal awareness of their presence.

Turning head and biting at areas

Some observant dogs will turn their head and nibble at specific areas where they can feel ticks attached. They’re likely responding to pressure or irritation around the bite site. Targeted biting and nibbling indicates dogs may pinpoint the precise location of ticks on their bodies.

Agitation and restlessness

Dogs troubled by itching, discomfort, or other odd sensations from ticks may act agitated or restless. They may pace, whine, or act anxious. This type of agitation can also occur with other skin irritations or parasite infestations. But if no other cause is identified, it may imply the dog is reacting to tick irritation.

Reasons dogs may not know they have ticks

Despite some behaviors that suggest dogs may sense ticks, there are reasons dogs likely don’t know these specific parasites are present:

The numb anesthetic bite

The tick’s anesthetic limits what dogs can actually feel during the bite, making it less likely they’re aware of the tick itself attaching and feeding. This numbness masks the tick bite from dog’s detection.

Small size and concealment

Ticks are extremely tiny, especially in their juvenile stages. Their minuscule size allows them to hide within fur and evade a dog’s notice. Unless the infestation is severe, most ticks go unseen by dogs and humans.

Ability to latch in hard-to-reach places

Ticks often attach in difficult spots for a dog to see or bite, like under the ears, between toes, or on the head and neck. Their inconspicuous placement makes it less likely dogs know exactly where they are.

No strong odor

Ticks don’t produce obvious odors dogs can detect. Fleas have a musty odor in large infestations, alerting dogs to their presence. But ticks don’t provide this scent cue for dogs.

Do tick diseases and viruses change a dog’s awareness?

Some tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease that infiltrate a dog’s bloodstream may make them feel unwell or lethargic. This illness could make them more sensitive to odd sensations from tick bites. However, dogs infected with these diseases may not discern the root cause of their discomfort is from ticks. The malaise of disease is more likely to alter their behavior than the presence of ticks alone.

Signs your dog may have ticks

Since dogs may not offer obvious cues they’re aware of ticks, it’s important owners regularly check their dog’s body. Signs your dog may have ticks include:

Visible ticks in the fur, ears, or skin

Carefully looking through your dog’s coat may reveal actual ticks embedded on them. Ticks can range from tiny poppy seed-sized nymphs to larger engorged adults.

Skin irritation, rashes, or hair loss

Multiple tick bites in the same area can cause skin inflammation, irritation, and hair loss. Dogs may lick or rub the area, worsening the effects. Redness, sores, and scabs signal previous tick bites.

Fatigue, fever, limping

If ticks transmit disease, dogs may show signs like lethargy, fever, swollen joints, and limping. These are symptoms of tick-borne illness, not the ticks themselves. Prompt vet care is needed.

How to check your dog for ticks

It’s smart to periodically check your dog all over for ticks. Areas to focus on include:

Head and neck

Carefully spread the fur to look at the scalp, behind the ears, and around the neck. Ticks love these warm spots.

Armpits and groin

Check where legs meet the body as ticks congregate in arm and leg pits. Also check between hind legs.

Under belly and between hind legs

Lift legs to inspect the belly and private areas. Ticks can hide amongst fur and skin folds here.

Between paw pads and toes

Spread toes open and look between them and on the underside of paws where ticks latch on.

How to remove ticks from dogs

If you find one or more ticks, remove them promptly:

Use tweezers

Grasp the tick close to skin with fine-tipped tweezers. Don’t twist or jerk.

Pull straight up

Apply steady pressure pulling straight up. Don’t yank sideways. Removing the tick head could cause infection.

Drop in rubbing alcohol

Drop the live tick in rubbing alcohol to kill it. Never crush ticks with fingers.

Clean the bite area

Swab the bite spot with antiseptic or soap and water to disinfect.

Monitor for disease

Watch for illness signs like fever or rash which might indicate transmitted diseases.

Ways to prevent ticks on dogs

Use these proactive measures to deter ticks:

Ask your vet about medications

Oral and topical tick preventives ordered by your vet keep dogs protected. Reapply as directed.

Avoid thick brush and long grasses

When outside, steer clear of wooded, brushy areas where ticks thrive. Stick to open lawns or trails.

Bathe dogs regularly

Bathing removes odors that attract ticks to dogs. Bathe monthly or as needed when outdoors more.

Inspect after every outing

Check your dog over from head to tail after being outside, not just occasionally. Finding ticks promptly is key.

Conclusion

Dogs exhibit some telltale behaviors when irritated by ticks like scratching, rubbing, and biting at their skin. But the tick’s anesthetic bite means dogs likely don’t fully sense their presence. Regular thorough inspections and using preventives are the best ways to find and control ticks on dogs. While dogs may not know specifically that ticks are attached, they benefit hugely from an owner’s diligence and care in keeping these pests off them.