1. **Regular Check-ups**: Make it a habit to check your dog regularly, especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas. Look for ticks in common hiding spots such as behind the ears, under the collar, between the toes, and in the armpits.
2. **Visual Inspection**: Ticks can be small and may look like a dark bump on your dog's skin. They can be as small as a poppy seed or as large as a grape when fully engorged. Use a flashlight to help you see better, particularly in darker fur.
3. **Feel for Lumps**: Run your hands over your dog's body to feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. Ticks can sometimes be felt even if they are not easily visible.
4. **Check for Symptoms**: If your dog is scratching excessively, seems restless, or has unusual behavior, it may indicate a tick bite or irritation. Look for signs like redness or swelling around the bite area.
5. **Use a Tick Removal Tool**: If you find a tick, use a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this can cause parts of the tick to break off and remain in the skin.
6. **Consult Your Vet**: If you're unsure about what to do or if you find a tick, consult your veterinarian. They can provide advice on tick prevention and removal, as well as check for any diseases that ticks can transmit.
Remember, prevention is key! Use tick prevention products recommended by your vet to keep your dog safe from ticks and the diseases they can carry.
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