Animal guidanceWorldwide with United Kingdom guidance where relevant

I found a tick on my dog: what should I do first?

Keep the dog calm, confirm the object is attached, use an appropriate removal method promptly and contact a vet if access, removal or the dog's condition is concerning.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Everyone

Short answer

Keep the dog calm, confirm the object is attached, use an appropriate removal method promptly and contact a vet if access, removal or the dog's condition is concerning.

At a glance

Keep the dog calm, confirm the object is attached, use an appropriate removal method promptly and contact a vet if access, removal or the dog's condition is concerning. Combine veterinary-authorised prevention with checks and controlled removal.

Key takeaways

• Keep the dog calm, confirm the object is attached, use an appropriate removal method promptly and contact a vet if access, removal or the dog's condition is concerning.

• Combine veterinary-authorised prevention with checks and controlled removal.

• This is general education, not individual veterinary advice. Contact a veterinary professional for illness, medicine choice, difficult removal or a significant skin reaction.

Direct answer

Keep the dog calm, confirm the object is attached, use an appropriate removal method promptly and contact a vet if access, removal or the dog's condition is concerning.

Use it in context

Combine veterinary-authorised prevention with checks and controlled removal.

Practical next step

This is general education, not individual veterinary advice. Contact a veterinary professional for illness, medicine choice, difficult removal or a significant skin reaction.