How To Check Your Dog For Ticks After Walks

There’s something special about muddy woodland walks, long countryside adventures, and watching dogs explore the world through scent and movement. But during tick season (March to October), those same environments can bring a few hidden risks home in your dog’s coat.

Ticks are small parasites that attach themselves to animals to feed on blood. They’re most commonly found in long grass, woodland, heathland, and areas with dense vegetation. While they’re tiny before feeding, they can become much larger once attached, making regular coat checks especially important during spring and summer.

For groomers and dog owners alike, early detection is the most important thing.

Regular grooming plays a surprisingly valuable role here. Brushing through the coat after walks not only helps remove debris and loose hair, but also gives you the chance to spot ticks before they become a bigger problem. Areas worth checking carefully include:

• around the ears
• under the collar
• around the ears
• between the toes
• around the groin and armpits
• under longer deathering or dense coats

For finer coats and detailed checking around sensitive areas, a flea comb can also help you work methodically through the coat. Groom + Kind’s Flea Comb Pack is especially useful for checking close to the skin around the face, ears, and paws without causing discomfort.

If you do find a tick, it’s important to remove it carefully and as soon as possible. Avoid pulling with fingers or tweezers, as squeezing the tick can increase irritation and make removal more difficult.

A dedicated removal tool is usually the safest option. The Groom + Kind Dog Tick Remover Tool is designed to slide underneath the tick cleanly, helping you remove it with minimal stress to the dog or skin.

After removal, keep the area clean and continue to monitor for redness, swelling, or irritation. If anything doesn’t look right (or if your dog seems uncomfortable) it’s always best to speak with your vet.

For professional groomers, routines like these matter just as much as the groom itself. Comfortable handling, gentle tools, and thoughtful coat care all contribute to a safer and calmer experience for dogs.

You can read more about creating comfortable grooming routines in our article: Grooming Tools That Prioritise Dog And Groomer Comfort.