Found a tick - help!

[White Bryony]

Just back after a week on holiday with the doggies in Devon and have just found a tick on Maddie - UEWWWW!!!

Anyway got the tick remover out of the first aid bag and have removed the tick following the instructions - however I am not sure how well it went.

The tick didn't come off easily and we may have accidentally squeezed its body.  I think it is all out as we have a tick with legs.

We have used antiseptic wipes and germalene afterwards - the vets is now closed until Monday.

Maddie is fine in herself - what do I need to look out for - worried mum time!!

[Karma]

As long as you got it all out, you shouldn't have any problems... the site might be a little red/swollen for a little bit, but I would keep an eye to make sure it doesn't get infected.
 
Lyme disease is always a risk from a tick bite, but fairly uncommon - from what I've read symptoms of this wouldn't appear for a couple of months anyway, and would mainly be lethargy, fever and pain in joints.

[Helen]

Jarv always has a lump after tick removal - and that is with getting the whole thing out - so don't worry too much.  Keep an eye on it and if it looks bigger/redder/infected then take her to the vets on tuesday.

A very tiny proportion of ticks carry lymes 

[White Bryony]

Thanks for the quick replies guys 

The site looks fine - just a bit sore looking but she was an absolute angel for her dad whilst he was getting it out 

Will keep a close eye on it though!

[Mollycuddles]

Awww Lisa don't worry to much I'm sure Maddie will be fine and Molly usually gets a small lump after the tick is removed Like Jarv does.

She probably picked it up on the moor mine always do as there are loads of sheep about.

If you used the tick remover as instructed I'm sure you did it ok

[Sarah.H]

God I hate those things! Have you seen one move before its attached? They are FAST!! Like a horrible flat spider. Millie had one crawling over head the other day and I picked it up before realising what it was  .

[Hurtwood Dogs]

Mine get STACKS of tics - sheep in the fields one side of of my house and a forest full of deer and heather the other side.. it's tic central around here  However, we've never had any repercussions other then me squirming during the removal process 

I'm sure Maddie will be just fine, just keep an eye on it and although not impossible to catch, Lymes disease is still VERY rare in the UK in dogs.

Hannah x

[crazyspaniels]

best thing to do is take it off onto a white piece of paper or kitchen paper, have a look at it closely and you will see it moving about at the front end, often they might try to wander off, then you know you have it all off and can stick him in the fire 
3 last week after our trip to Dunbar, tiny little ones 

[angelbaby]

Quincy had his first today, orrible little blighters, it wasnt full of blood so im guessing he got it on this mornings walk, felt is as soon as i got home it came out quite easily though head and all , dont worry shell be fine xxx

[Bev]

the first time arnie had a tick i thought he had a extra booby.so i left it there for a few days  i could not beleave it when my friend said hes got a tick

[White Bryony]

Thanks for all your replies.

I am still a bit worried that we didn't get the head out.  There is just a very small red lump there today. Can't believe that she must have had it on her for days and we didn't spot it 

[Helen]

Jarv's lumps last for up to a week - have a close look at the lump, you may see the head parts if they're there.  In all honesty, being the terrible owner I am, we have left head parts in (not intentionally) and a couple of days later the lump went like a pimple and burst - the only infection was in the 'spot' and cleared up quickly 

today I found one on his ear - one of those horrible big grey ones (blerrrrrk).  Typical, but no o-tom handy and I just couldn't leave it there so did the very quick pulling out (while gagging) and managed to get it all out.  They are disgusting 

[supaspaniel]

. Can't believe that she must have had it on her for days and we didn't spot it 

Lisa If it makes you feel any better I had a tick on myself once, on the back of my thigh. It had started to expand when i discovered it so gawd knows how long it had been there  I was mortified  so dont feel bad about not finding it on Maddie 

[White Bryony]

Thank you Helen and Lisa 

I have to say both Maddie and Woofie have enjoyed the umpteen examinations they have had in the last 24 hours to see if we could find anymore!

I have had a close look at the lump and there may be a black 'something ??' in the centre but there again it could just be a little scab.

Will monitor it closely - it certainly isn't worrying Maddie bless her 

[Jeanette]

Lisa, I don't know what I'm looking for with ticks so probably wouldn't spot one on Indie for days either.   Whereabouts on the body did you find it, slightly worried that I wouldn't spot them on Indie as her coat is really thick.   Theres so much mention of ticks at the moment and I've never seen one in my life - not that I want to, they sound revolting.