Where Should I Check for Ticks After a Walk?
Ticks favor thin-skinned, hidden spots — inside the ears, around the eyes and lips, armpits, groin, between the toes, and under the collar.
A tick that is found and removed within a day has far less chance of passing on disease, which makes the after-walk check one of the highest-value habits in tick season. The catch: ticks rarely sit in plain sight on the back — they crawl to warm, sheltered skin first.
A one-minute routine that covers the hot spots
Run your fingers slowly against the coat from head to tail, feeling for a small bump like a sesame seed or a swollen bean. Slow down at the ear flaps and canal openings, around the eyes and muzzle, under the chin and collar, in the armpits and groin, between the toes, and under the tail base.
If you find one attached, grasp it close to the skin with fine tweezers and pull straight out — no twisting, no burning, no oils. Coat length and skin folds differ by individual, so if removal is tricky or redness and fever follow within days, let a veterinarian handle it and examine the site.
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.