Desert adventures with your dog don’t end when you get home. In fact, this is when one of the most important parts of tick prevention for dogs in Dubai begins. Prompt tick checks and early action can make the difference between a simple fix and a serious tick-borne illness.
As a trusted veterinary clinic in Dubai, we frequently see dogs that appear well after a walk, only to develop symptoms days or weeks later. Understanding what to do after a desert walk is essential for every dog owner.
After the Walk: Tick Checks Every Dog Owner Should Do
A full tick check should be done after every outdoor walk, especially if your dog has been near vegetation, shaded areas, or grazing land.
Ticks often attach in warm, hidden areas, so take your time and check carefully:
- Under the collar and around the neck
- Inside and behind the ears
- Between the toes and paw pads
- Under the armpits
- Around the groin
- Under the tail
Ticks can be extremely small before feeding, sometimes no larger than a sesame seed. Look for tiny dark bumps or swollen grey-brown lumps that were not there before.
Brushing, Bathing and Reducing Indoor Tick Risk
Brushing your dog after a desert walk helps remove loose ticks before they attach and makes skin inspections easier. If your dog has been dusty, rolling, or near vegetation or water, bathing with a pet-safe shampoo can help dislodge ticks that have not yet embedded.
After a walk where ticks are suspected:
- Wash your dog’s bedding and blankets
- Clean soft furnishings that your dog rests on
- Check other pets in the household
These steps reduce the risk of ticks entering the home and protect the entire household.
How to Remove a Tick Safely at Home
If you find an attached tick, remove it calmly and correctly.
Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool and:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
- Pull straight out with steady, gentle pressure
- Avoid twisting, squeezing, burning, or applying oils
- Clean the area with an antiseptic after removal
Incorrect removal can leave mouthparts behind or increase the risk of disease transmission. If you are unsure or uncomfortable, contact 2Feet4Paws, your experienced dog vet in Dubai, and we will be happy to assist.
After removal, monitor your dog closely for one to two weeks.
Warning Signs of Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs
In the UAE, canine ehrlichiosis is one of the most commonly diagnosed tick-borne diseases in dogs. Babesiosis is another serious condition that affects red blood cells. Symptoms may appear days or even weeks after a tick bite and are often subtle at first.
Contact your pet clinic in Dubai immediately if you notice:
- Lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Limping or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Pale gums or unexplained bleeding
- Eye or nasal discharge
Early diagnosis dramatically improves outcomes. If your dog has recently been exposed to ticks and seems “not quite right,” it is always safer to have them examined.
You can read more about ehrlichiosis here.
Ongoing Tick Prevention for Dogs in Dubai
Tick checks are essential, but they are only one part of a complete prevention plan. Because there is no true tick season in the UAE, dogs should remain protected year-round.
Your veterinary clinic in Dubai can help you choose the most effective preventive strategy based on your dog’s lifestyle, health, and exposure risk.
If you would like tailored advice, contact us:
- Phone: +971 4 552 0213
- WhatsApp: +971 5 016 11045
- Or via our contact page
With the right routine, desert walks can stay safe, enjoyable, and stress-free for both you and your dog.
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