It usually happens while you’re petting your dog. You feel a small bump. You part the fur, and there it is—a swollen, grey or brown parasite latched onto your dog’s skin.
how to remove a tick from a dog
Your first instinct is to panic and yank it out immediately.
But wait. If you squeeze the tick's body while pulling, you might accidentally inject more toxin-filled blood back into your dog. Even worse, if that tick has been feeding for a while, the damage might already be done. Ehrlichiosis symptoms
At Bueza Pets, we see hundreds of cases of Tick Fever (Ehrlichiosis or Babesiosis) every season. It is one of the leading causes of death in dogs in India, but it is entirely treatable if caught early.
dog pale gums
Here is what you need to know to save your dog’s life.
The "Silent" Killer: What is Tick Fever?
Tick Fever isn't just a high temperature. It is a group of diseases (like Ehrlichia and Babesia) that attack your dog’s blood cells.
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Ehrlichia attacks white blood cells (immunity) and platelets (clotting).
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Babesia attacks red blood cells (oxygen transport), causing severe anemia.
The scary part? A dog can have Tick Fever for weeks before they look "sick." By the time they collapse, it’s often a critical emergency.
The 2 Symptoms You Can't Ignore
If you found a tick on your dog recently (or even weeks ago), watch for these two specific signs. They are the body’s way of screaming for help.
1. Sudden Lethargy (The "Battery Drained" Look)
We don't mean "lazy Sunday" tired. We mean your dog:
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Refuses to go for a walk.
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Doesn't get up to greet you at the door.
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Sleeps all day and skips meals.
2. Pale or White Gums (The Anemia Check)
This is the most critical home check you can do.
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Normal Gums: Should be a bright, healthy "bubblegum pink."
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Danger Zone: If the gums look pale pink, white, or grey, your dog is anemic. They are losing red blood cells faster than they can make them.
How to check: Gently lift your dog's upper lip. Press your finger on the gum for a second and release. The color should return instantly. If it stays white, call a vet immediately.
online vet consultation for tick fever
"I Found a Tick. How Do I Remove It Safely?"
If the tick is still attached, follow these steps to remove it without making things worse.
White gums in dogs emergency
DO NOT:
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❌ Burn it with a match (this causes the tick to vomit toxins into the dog).
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❌ Smother it with alcohol or nail polish.
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❌ Squeeze the swollen belly.
Dog tick fever treatment at home
DO:
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Use Tweezers: Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible (by the head, not the body).
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Pull Straight Up: Use steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk.
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Check the Spot: Ensure the head didn't break off inside the skin.
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Disinfect: Clean the bite area with antiseptic.
My dog has a tick and is lethargic
When to Call a Vet?
If your dog has a tick and is showing signs of lethargy, fever, or pale gums, do not wait. Tick fever can cause kidney failure or severe internal bleeding within days.
You don't need to stress your sick dog with a car ride just to get a diagnosis. Bueza Pets offers immediate Vet Teleconsultations.
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We can visually inspect the tick bite.
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We can assess your dog's gum color and breathing via video.
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We can prescribe immediate supportive care and guide you on the next steps (like blood tests).
Time is your dog's best defense.
👉 [Click Here to Speak to a Vet Now at www.bueza.in]
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes. If your dog has collapsed or has bleeding from the nose/mouth, rush to an emergency clinic immediately.