6 Common Areas To Check For Ticks On Your Dog (And 4 Effective Ways To Keep Them Away)

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

An Itchy Dog
Rachel Claire/Pexels

Ticks can be a sneaky menace, clinging to your dog in the most unexpected places. If left unchecked, they can cause serious health issues, from irritation to life-threatening diseases. But don’t worry—by knowing exactly where to look and how to prevent these pesky parasites, you can keep your dog safe and tick-free. Dive into these simple yet effective strategies for locating and preventing ticks, and keeping your furry friend protected with ease.

1. Head And Ears

German Shorthaired Pointer closeup
Arian Fernandez/Pexels

Ticks are sneaky creatures that love to hide in areas where they can latch onto your dog unnoticed. The head and ears provide them with the perfect environment. These spots are full of warm folds, soft fur, and the right amount of shelter for ticks to attach without being easily spotted. By gently parting the fur around the ears, the inside of the ear flaps, and the top of the head, you can check for ticks. Inspecting this area regularly ensures you catch ticks early before they cause more harm, especially in places where ticks are hard to reach.

2. Toes

Dog Toes
Engin Akyurt/Pexels

Dogs’ paws are often overlooked when checking for ticks, but they are one of the most common places ticks will latch onto. Since dogs love to walk through tall grass and underbrush, their paws are constantly exposed to ticks. The soft pads between the toes and between the nails provide the perfect crevice for ticks to burrow into. Gently spreading the toes and inspecting this area, especially after walks in tick-prone environments, helps you spot any unwanted guests before they can latch on and feed.

3. Eyelids

Closeup of the eyes of a White German Shepherd
IngePix/PixaBay

Tick infestations aren’t always obvious at first glance, especially in delicate spots like the eyelids. This area is often neglected because it’s hard to spot ticks that might have crawled there. Eyelids offer ticks a quiet, moist environment, making it easier for them to latch on and remain undetected for longer. Ticks can even be mistaken for tiny bumps on the eyelids, so a careful inspection of this area, including the corners of the eyes, helps ensure no ticks are hiding out. It’s a spot that’s often missed but crucial for overall tick prevention.

4. Under The Collar

Chocolate labrador with a festive collar.
Michael Morse/Pexels

Ticks are expert hitchhikers, and the area under your dog’s collar is one of their favorite hiding places. This region, constantly covered by the collar, creates a warm, secure spot for ticks to latch onto without being noticed. Whether it’s a loose collar or tight-fitting, ticks find their way under it, attaching themselves to the skin. Regularly checking underneath the collar, especially after outdoor activities, helps identify any ticks before they can start feeding and cause irritation. It’s a simple, yet often forgotten, check that keeps ticks in check.

5. Tail

Tail and hind legs of a dog
Harry Nixon/Pexels

The tail area is another prime spot for tick hiding. When your dog is active, running around or wagging its tail, it can brush through grass and shrubbery where ticks lurk. The underside of the tail is especially vulnerable because it’s a less noticeable area that’s covered by fur. Ticks love to attach themselves here, where they can stay hidden until they’ve fed. By gently lifting the tail and inspecting this area during your regular check, you can spot ticks early and remove them before they can spread or cause discomfort to your dog.

6. Groin Area

Dog Groin
Blue Bird/Pexels

Your dog’s groin area is an often-overlooked spot, but it’s a favorite location for ticks. This area provides the ticks with an ideal environment—soft, warm, and often sheltered by fur. Since dogs don’t always like their groin area being touched, it’s easy to miss ticks that might be hiding there. By being gentle and thorough during tick checks, especially after your dog has been in a tick-prone area, you can ensure this sensitive spot is checked regularly. The sooner you spot a tick in the groin, the easier it will be to remove before it gets the chance to spread Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses.

7. Use Tick Preventatives

A fluffy Pomeranian dog on a table in a clinic
Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

The best way to protect your dog from ticks is by using tick preventatives. There are many products available, from topical treatments to tick collars and oral medications, designed to repel or kill ticks before they can latch on. These preventatives work by creating a protective barrier around your dog’s body, making it harder for ticks to latch on and transmit diseases. Regularly applying or renewing these preventatives ensures consistent protection, especially in high-risk areas like wooded or grassy regions where ticks thrive.

8. Regular Grooming And Tick Checks

Dog groomer styling a Poodle
Goochie Poochie Grooming/Pexels

Grooming your dog regularly not only keeps their coat shiny and healthy, but it’s also one of the best ways to catch ticks early. While brushing your dog, check the coat for ticks hiding in the fur. Areas like the neck, ears, and paws are common hiding spots. By making tick checks a part of your dog’s grooming routine, you reduce the chances of ticks staying attached long enough to cause health problems. Regular grooming helps you spot any anomalies, including ticks, that might otherwise go unnoticed.

9. Avoid Tick-Filled Areas

Poodle rolling on the grass with a person.
Freepik/Freepik

A great way to prevent tick infestations is to steer clear of areas known to have a high tick population. Ticks thrive in tall grasses, dense bushes, and wooded areas, so if possible, avoid walking your dog in these environments, especially during peak tick season. By limiting exposure to these habitats, you significantly reduce the chances of your dog coming into contact with ticks. While it may not be possible to completely avoid outdoor areas, staying on well-maintained paths and avoiding overgrown fields will help minimize risk.

10. Apply Natural Tick Repellents

Essential Oils
Mareefe/Pixabay

For pet owners who prefer natural solutions, there are several essential oils and herbal repellents that can deter ticks without the use of harsh chemicals. Ingredients like citronella, eucalyptus, and lemongrass have tick-repelling properties. Applying these natural repellents to your dog’s coat can help keep ticks away, especially when used in combination with other preventative measures. While natural remedies can be effective, they work best when paired with regular checks and other methods for a more comprehensive approach to tick control.

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