How to Safely Remove a Tick Head Stuck in Your Dog’s Skin at Home

A tick head stuck in your dog’s skin can seem like a minor issue, but it could signal a serious health risk.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), prompt removal of an embedded tick head is essential to prevent potentially life-threatening diseases (1).

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to safely remove a tick head stuck in your dog’s skin at home, while emphasizing the importance of understanding tick biology and preventing tick-borne diseases.

By following the steps outlined below, you can minimize the risk of infection and ensure your dog’s well-being.

Understanding Ticks and Their Impact on Canine Health

As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ticks can transmit a range of infectious diseases to dogs, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Ehrlichiosis (2).

Understanding what ticks are, their life cycle, and the various tick species that commonly affect dogs will prepare you for safe and effective removal at home.

Ticks are tiny, parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of animals, including dogs.

According to Entomological Society of America, ticks are more closely related to spiders, with a complex life cycle that includes various stages, such as egg, larva, nymph, and adult (3).

Different species have slightly varied appearances, but overall traits include a teardrop-shaped body when engorged with blood.

Finding specific characteristics like the shape and color of the tick’s scutum (shield-like plate on the back) can help you identify the species, which is important for understanding potential health risks associated with a tick bite.

Ticks are characterized by their segmented bodies, hard exoskeletons, and the ability to latch onto their host using specialized mouthparts.

A study by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine found that different species have distinct morphological features, such as the size and shape of the scutum, to aid in identification (5).

Identifying the species can be crucial in determining the severity of the tick bite and the risk of disease transmission.

Ticks go through several stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult.

Each stage typically requires a blood meal to progress (6).

The life cycle of a tick can be completed in the environment, including grassy areas, wooded areas, or even inside houses.

Regular tick checks on your dog are essential to prevent infestation.

Variation of tick species can infest dogs, depending on your geographic location.

According to the National Pigeon Foundation, some of the more prevalent species in the United States include the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum), and the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) (7).

Dogs experiencing discomfort due to a trapped tick head may exhibit clear signs of distress. If your dog is experiencing excessive scratching or licking at the affected area, it could be a sign of tick-related irritation. Additionally, unusual restlessness, whining, or yelping when touched near the site may also indicate a tick-related issue. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs may exhibit pain in the area of attachment if the tick’s mouthparts are close to a nerve ending or if the dog has an allergy to ticks or their saliva (1). If your dog shows any of these behavioral changes, immediate action is warranted.

Differences between a tick body and tick head: Understanding the differences between a tick body and tick head is crucial in ensuring successful tick removal. The key difference to understand is that you need to be vigilant about both the visible tick body and any signs of the tick head left behind, as the tick head can sometimes remain embedded after the body has been removed. A study published in the Journal of Parasitology found that the tick’s head (or mouthparts) is often small, pointed, and significantly harder to completely remove than the tick body (2). This is because the mouthparts anchor the tick to the skin and can cause irritation by continuing to exert pressure long after the tick’s body has been removed.

It’s essential to note that the visible tick body may be small, and this doesn’t mean the mouthparts (head) are not embedded. According to a research paper published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the skin around a tick’s head insertion point may become inflamed, red, or warm, indicating irritation caused by the tick’s mouthparts (3). A persistent, small swelling or a sore that persists after you remove a tick’s body is a strong sign there could still be a tick head lodged in the skin. A graphic comparison of a whole tick versus just the head can help illustrate the subtle size differences between the two, emphasizing the importance of thorough removal.

By being watchful for these signs, you can determine if a tick removal is immediately necessary. If you are still unsure, always consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Remember, early removal greatly reduces the risk of tick-borne illnesses. By taking the necessary steps, you can help prevent the transmission of diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and others.