Ticks: Tiny Freeloaders Your Dog Didn’t Invite
(And What Every Dog Parent Should Know)
Spring and summer bring sunshine, fresh air, blooming flowers… and unfortunately, ticks.
These tiny hitchhikers may be small, but they can cause big problems for our dogs if we’re not paying attention. The good news? With a little knowledge (and some good sniff-and-check routines), you can keep your pup safer while still enjoying the great outdoors.
Let’s talk about what ticks are, why they love dogs so much, and how to keep them from turning your dog into their next snack.
What Exactly Is a Tick?
Ticks are small parasitic arachnids, which means they’re related to spiders, not insects. Their favorite hobby is attaching to animals (like deer, mice, and unfortunately dogs) and feeding on blood.
They don’t jump or fly. Instead, they wait patiently on grass, shrubs, or leaves with their tiny front legs stretched out... ready to latch onto the next furry creature that brushes by.
This behavior is charmingly called “questing.”
Your dog calls it “just another walk in the woods.”
Why Dogs Are Tick Magnets
Dogs are basically the perfect transportation service for ticks. They are:
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Low to the ground
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Covered in warm fur
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Curious about tall grass and wooded areas
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Happy to explore places ticks love
Add in a wagging tail and a nose that insists on sniffing every bush, and your dog becomes a five-star ride-share service for ticks.
Where Ticks Like to Hide on Dogs
Ticks are sneaky. Once they latch on, they look for warm, hidden spots where they can quietly feed.
When checking your dog, pay close attention to:
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Around the ears
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Under the collar
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Between the toes
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Under the tail
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Around the eyelids
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In the armpits
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Under thick fur
A good rule: If it’s warm, soft, or hidden, a tick might like it there.
Why Ticks Are a Problem
Aside from being incredibly rude dinner guests, ticks can carry diseases that affect dogs.
Some of the more common tick-borne illnesses include:
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Lyme disease
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Anaplasmosis
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Ehrlichiosis
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Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Not every tick carries disease, but it’s still important to remove them quickly. The sooner a tick is removed, the lower the chance of disease transmission.
How to Check Your Dog for Ticks
After outdoor adventures, especially hikes, wooded walks, or romps through tall grass, do a quick tick check.
Think of it as a mini spa moment for your dog.
Run your hands slowly through their fur and feel for small bumps. Ticks often feel like:
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Tiny peas
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Small scabs
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A little bump attached to the skin
If you find one, don’t panic. Just grab your tick-removal tool (or fine tweezers).
How to Remove a Tick Safely
Here’s the simple method veterinarians recommend:
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Use fine tweezers or a tick remover tool.
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Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible.
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Pull straight out slowly and steadily.
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Clean the bite area with soap and water.
Avoid twisting, crushing, or applying things like petroleum jelly. Those tricks often make the tick release more saliva, which increases the risk of infection.
Once removed, dispose of the tick in alcohol or seal it in tape.
Then give your dog a treat for being such a brave patient.
Simple Ways to Reduce Tick Encounters
You can’t eliminate ticks entirely, but you can make life much harder for them.
Helpful steps include:
✔ Keep grass trimmed in your yard
✔ Avoid letting dogs wander through dense brush
✔ Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention
✔ Check your dog after outdoor adventures
✔ Wash bedding regularly
And of course… give your pup a good post-walk inspection.
The Bottom Line
Ticks may be tiny, but they’re persistent little freeloaders. Luckily, a quick check after outdoor adventures and good preventative care can keep your dog safe while they continue living their best sniff-filled life.
Because let’s be honest…
Your dog is not going to stop exploring the bushes.
But with a little awareness, ticks don’t have to ruin the adventure.
🐾 Swanky Mutt Tip:
Make tick checks part of your dog’s routine after hikes or park days. Many dogs actually enjoy the extra attention, and it’s one of the easiest ways to catch ticks early.