Why Does My Dog Have a Lump After a Tick Removal?
The chemical that ticks secrete to help them fasten to the skin of their hosts irritates the host’s skin and may cause a lump to form, even after the tick has been removed. Lumps can also be caused when residual tick body parts are left in the host’s skin.
To remove a tick, dog owners should use tweezers to grasp the tick just behind its head and as close to the skin of the dog as possible. The next step is to draw upward with a steady, even pressure in order to avoid leaving behind the tick’s mouth parts. One should be careful to avoid crushing the tick’s body, which potentially releases disease filled fluid into the bite wound. It may be helpful to have an assistant to hold the dog so the removal can be made successfully.
Veterinarians suggest owners retain the tick in a jar filled with rubbing alcohol in case it is needed for identification if complications arise that require medical care. Dog owners should also apply a disinfectant to the area after removing a tick and monitor the lump on their dog over the next 2 to 3 weeks. If the lump grows larger, becomes inflamed, begins to leak fluid or is otherwise painful for the pet, owners should seek veterinary care for the dog
