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How should a dog bed be checked for ticks?

Move the bed to a well-lit controlled area and inspect covers, seams, zips, folds and the floor beneath it, then clean it according to the label.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Dog owners

Short answer

Move the bed to a well-lit controlled area and inspect covers, seams, zips, folds and the floor beneath it, then clean it according to the label.

At a glance

A bed can conceal a transported tick, and repeated findings can point to ongoing outdoor exposure or an indoor brown dog tick problem.

Key takeaways

• Inspect before shaking or carrying the bed through the house.

• Contain any tick safely.

• Check the dog and other resting sites too.

Use a deliberate pattern

Start at one corner and work around every edge, lifting removable covers and looking in stitching. Tiny stages may resemble specks, so magnification helps.

Repeated ticks need a wider response

Ask a veterinarian about the dog and a qualified pest professional about the premises. Treating only the bedding may miss cracks, kennels or other animals.