Ticks in dogs – signs and what to do

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: PDSA

Book a vet visit

Book a vet appointment if you think your dog has this – a vet needs to confirm it and plan the treatment. Ticks are parasites that feed on animal and human blood.

What you can do now

  1. Contact your vet.
  2. Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
  3. Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
  4. Keep fresh water available.
  5. Let your dog rest somewhere calm.

Don't

  • Do not give any human medicine.
  • Do not wait if it gets worse.

What it is

Ticks are parasites that feed on animal and human blood and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.[1] Ticks are most active in warmer months and are commonly found in long grass, woodlands and areas with lots of wildlife.[1]

Signs

  • Round
  • Shiny
  • Tiny head
  • Large, slightly flattened body
  • Large, flattened body
  • Brown, pink, purple or bluish grey

Causes and risk factors

  • Warmer months
  • Long grass
  • Woodlands
  • Areas with lots of wildlife

How vets treat it

  • Fluids or a drip

What the experts say

“Overview. Ticks are parasites that feed on animal and human blood. They can also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. They are most active in warmer months and are commonly found in long grass, woodlands, and areas with lots of wildlife.”

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

Get it on Google Play

OkPaw is on Android now – an iPhone version is on its way.

Common questions

What are ticks?

Ticks are parasites that feed on animal and human blood.[1]

Can ticks transmit disease?

Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.[1]

Where are ticks commonly found?

Ticks are commonly found in long grass, woodlands and areas with lots of wildlife.[1]

Sources

  1. PDSA

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages

The same page for cats →

Other conditions in dogs