Do I need to see a vet if I find a tick on my pet?

By Leigha

June 26, 2025

Finding a tick on your pet doesn’t always require a trip to the vet, but there are situations where it’s a good idea. Here's how to decide:

✅ When you don’t need to see a vet

If:

You successfully remove the tick (use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick remover tool).

Your pet is acting normal (eating, drinking, and behaving normally).

The skin where the tick was attached is not red, swollen, or oozing.

In these cases, clean the area, keep an eye on it, and watch your pet closely. We'd recommend monitor for a few weeks and no signs of illness appear.

🚨 When you should see a vet

If:

You can’t remove the tick fully, especially if the head is still embedded.

The area is swollen, red, or infected-looking after removal.

You live in an area with tick-borne disease risk (e.g., Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis).

Your pet has multiple ticks or is a puppy/senior/immunocompromised.

See a vet immediately, if your pet starts showing signs like:

- Lethargy

- Loss of appetite

- Lameness or joint pain

- Fever

- Vomiting

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Do I need to see a vet if I find a tick on my pet?

✅ When you don’t need to see a vet

🚨 When you should see a vet