What Does a Tick Look Like on a Dog?

If you’re asking “What does a tick look like on a dog?” the answer is that ticks are small, external parasites that attach to your dog’s skin and feed on their blood. They can appear flat and tiny before feeding, about the size of a sesame seed, but swell into larger, rounded shapes once engorged. Their color can range from reddish-brown to gray or bluish once full. Because ticks vary in size, shape, and color depending on their life stage and whether they’ve had a blood meal, spotting them can sometimes be tricky. Ticks are more than just an annoyance. They can carry harmful diseases, which makes it important for pet owners to know how to identify them quickly. In this blog, we’ll explain what ticks look like on dogs, where they hide, and why prompt detection matters.

 

 

Why Identifying Ticks on Dogs Matters

Ticks are a common pest in Texas, especially during warmer months, and they can affect dogs that spend time outdoors or even inside if ticks are carried in from grass, wooded areas, or other animals. While small, ticks are resilient and latch onto your dog’s skin for days if undetected.

Recognizing ticks early helps pet owners take the right next steps to protect their dog from the risks these parasites pose. The sooner you know what to look for, the sooner you can act. At Schertz Animal Hospital, our team can help if you’re concerned your pet has been exposed to ticks. If you notice anything unusual, request an appointment or call us at (210) 659-0345.

What Does a Tick Look Like on a Dog?

Ticks are arachnids, meaning they’re more closely related to spiders than insects. When you ask “What does a tick look like on a dog?”, the answer depends on several factors:

• Size: Ticks can be as small as a pinhead in their larval stage or as large as a grape when engorged.
• Shape: Before feeding, ticks look flat and oval. After feeding, they become round and swollen.
• Color: Ticks can appear reddish-brown, black, gray, or bluish. Their color often darkens after they’ve taken in blood.
• Legs: Adult ticks have eight legs. They may be difficult to see when ticks are small, but they’re visible under close inspection.

Engorged vs. Non-Engorged Ticks

• Non-Engorged: Flat, small, and often difficult to detect. They may resemble a dark speck of dirt or a small mole on your dog’s skin.
• Engorged: Larger, rounded, and easier to see. They can look like a small bump attached to the skin, sometimes mistaken for a skin tag or wart.

Common Places Ticks Hide on Dogs

Ticks prefer warm, hidden areas where they can attach without being easily disturbed. When you’re checking your dog, pay close attention to these areas:

• Inside and around the ears
• Between the toes
• Under the collar
• Around the eyelids
• In the groin area
• Along the tail and underbelly

Because ticks can crawl to less obvious areas, a careful inspection is important after your dog spends time outside.

Stages of a Tick’s Appearance

Ticks go through four life stages: larva, nymph, adult, and engorged adult. Each stage looks slightly different on a dog:

Larvae

These are tiny and nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. They look like minuscule dots on the skin.

Nymphs

Slightly larger than larvae, nymphs can resemble small black specks. They’re about the size of a poppy seed and still challenging to detect.

Adults

Adult ticks are larger, with visible legs, and easier to identify. They look like small, flat ovals before feeding.

Engorged Adults

After feeding, ticks expand significantly in size and can be the easiest stage to spot. They may appear grayish, bluish, or tan and form a rounded bump on the skin.

How to Tell a Tick Apart from a Mole or Skin Tag

Because ticks can look like small bumps, pet owners sometimes confuse them with moles, warts, or skin tags. A tick will have a hard, smooth body and may wiggle its legs if disturbed. Unlike a mole, it can be removed once properly handled. If you’re not sure whether a bump is a tick, it’s always safest to have your veterinarian check.

Why Ticks Pose a Risk to Dogs

While this blog focuses on answering “What does a tick look like on a dog?”, it’s important to understand why spotting them quickly matters. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. These illnesses can impact your dog’s health if not addressed promptly.

Not every tick carries disease, but the possibility makes it important to identify them quickly and schedule a veterinary visit if you find one on your dog. Schertz Animal Hospital can provide a thorough exam and guidance tailored to your pet’s needs.

What You Should Do if You Spot a Tick

If you notice what looks like a tick on your dog, avoid at-home attempts that may cause more harm than good. Ticks need to be removed carefully to prevent leaving parts behind. The safest step is to reach out to your veterinarian for help. Our team at Schertz Animal Hospital can assist with identifying and addressing ticks. Call us today at (210) 659-0345 or request an appointment online.

Helping Your Dog Stay Safe from Ticks

Now that you can answer the question “What does a tick look like on a dog?”, you’re better prepared to check your pet regularly and take the right action when needed. Ticks may be small, but their presence can have a big impact. Regular inspections, quick recognition, and veterinary care give your dog the best protection. If you have questions or think you’ve spotted a tick on your pet, reach out to Schertz Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment.