Quick Summary: Ticks love warm, hidden places on your dog’s body. Regular checks can help you spot them sooner and reduce the risk of tick-borne disease. Here are seven common tick hiding spots dog owners often miss.
Jump to a hiding spot:
As temperatures rise across the United States, ticks become more active and your dog is more likely to encounter them during walks, hikes, trips to the park, or even time spent in your own backyard.
These tiny parasites may be small, but they can transmit serious illnesses to both dogs and humans. The sooner a tick is found and removed, the lower the risk of disease transmission. That’s why regular tick checks, combined with year-round tick prevention for dogs, are so important.
Not sure where to look? Here are seven of the most common places ticks hide on dogs.
1. Inside and Around the Ears
Dogs explore the world with their noses first, often pushing through long grass, shrubs, and bushes where ticks wait for a passing host.
The folds and crevices around the ears create the perfect hiding place for ticks. Be sure to check both the outside of the ear and inside the ear flap. If your dog is frequently scratching their ears or shaking their head, it’s worth taking a closer look.
2. Under the Collar
Many dogs wear their collar all day, making this one of the easiest places for ticks to go unnoticed.
When checking your dog, remove their collar and inspect the skin underneath. A tick hiding here can feed for days before it’s discovered.
If your dog spends time outdoors, it’s a good idea to perform a quick collar check every few days during tick season.
3. Around the Eyes and Eyelids
Ticks attached near the eyes are often mistaken for skin tags, small bumps, or dried eye discharge.
Because this area is sensitive, owners may overlook a tick until it becomes engorged and more noticeable. Take a few extra seconds to inspect around the eyelids whenever you’re checking your dog’s face.
4. The Armpits
The area where your dog’s front legs meet their body is warm, sheltered, and difficult to see, making it a favorite tick hiding spot.
Run your hands gently through the fur around the armpits and feel for any unusual bumps or lumps. Sometimes you’ll feel a tick before you actually see it.
5. The Groin Area
It may not be the most glamorous part of a tick check, but it’s one of the most important.
The groin area provides warmth, protection, and plenty of fur coverage, making it an ideal place for ticks to attach. Because this area isn’t examined as often, ticks can remain hidden for longer periods.
Pay particular attention after outdoor adventures, camping trips, or walks through long grass.
6. Under the Tail
Many owners check the top of the tail but forget about the underside, especially near the base.
Ticks can easily hide in thick fur around this area. Use your fingers or a fine-toothed comb to carefully part the fur and inspect the skin beneath.
If your dog isn’t a fan of tail handling, take your time and offer plenty of treats.
7. Between the Toes and Paw Pads
Your dog’s paws come into direct contact with the environment, making them a common entry point for ticks.
Ticks often crawl between the toes or attach near the paw pads where they’re difficult to spot.
If your dog is suddenly licking, chewing, or obsessing over their feet, a tick could be the culprit.
Protect Your Dog Before Ticks Become a Problem
Finding a tick is stressful. Preventing one is much easier.
CanadaVet offers trusted flea and tick protection from leading brands including Simparica Trio, NexGard Spectra, Credelio Plus, Bravecto Chews, and NexGard Chewables. With genuine products, no prescription required, competitive prices, and convenient delivery straight to your door, keeping your dog's protection up to date is simple.
How to Help Protect Your Dog from Ticks
Regular tick checks are important, but prevention is your best defense.
Using a trusted flea and tick preventative can help protect your dog from ticks before they have a chance to attach and feed. Many popular options also help guard against other common parasites, making them a smart part of your dog’s regular health routine.
After walks, hikes, or time spent in wooded areas, take a few minutes to run your hands over your dog’s body and check these seven common hiding spots. A quick inspection today could save you and your dog a much bigger problem later.
Summary
Ticks can be sneaky, but knowing where they like to hide makes it much easier to find them early. Check your dog’s ears, collar area, eyes, armpits, groin, tail, and paws regularly, especially after outdoor adventures. Pairing regular checks with reliable tick prevention for dogs gives your pup a stronger layer of protection all year round.
