Ticks are one of the sneakiest health threats for dogs. Tiny as they are, they carry serious infections like babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease. The good news: with a regular dog tick scan you can catch a tick early and remove it safely. This guide walks you through checking your dog for ticks, the Paviento Tick Scanner feature, and the right way to remove a tick.

Why Are Ticks So Dangerous for Dogs?

While feeding, a tick transmits pathogens through its saliva. The longer it stays attached, the higher the risk. A tick removed within the first 24-48 hours dramatically lowers infection risk. The most common tick-borne diseases:

• Babesiosis: anemia, weakness, dark urine
• Ehrlichiosis: fever, nosebleeds, loss of appetite
• Lyme disease: joint pain, shifting lameness

Where to Look for Ticks on a Dog

Ticks love thin-furred, warm areas. When you run a tick check, pay special attention to:

• Ears and inside the ear
• Neck and under the collar
• Front/back leg armpits
• Between the toes and under the paws
• Under the tail and groin

Check with Your Phone Using the Paviento Tick Scanner

Paviento's Tick Scanner switches your phone camera into a high-contrast (negative) mode. This makes dark ticks easier to see against light fur, and light ticks easier to see against dark fur. Remember: it's not a tick sensor — it's a visual aid that strengthens your own inspection, and works best alongside a hands-on manual check.

1. Keep your dog calm in a well-lit area
2. Open Tick Scanner in the app
3. Bring the camera close to the fur and slowly scan the risky areas
4. Part the fur with your fingers and look close to the skin
5. Zoom in on any suspicious bump to confirm

How to Safely Remove a Tick from a Dog

1. Use fine-tipped tick tweezers or a tick card
2. Grasp the tick by its head, as close to the skin as possible
3. Pull straight up slowly, without twisting
4. Disinfect the area and wash your hands

Don't: pour alcohol/oil, burn it, or rip it off by hand — these make the tick regurgitate pathogens or leave mouthparts in the skin.

How Often Should You Scan for Ticks?

During tick season (spring to autumn), scan after every outdoor walk. Always check after wooded and grassy areas. Regular parasite prevention (collar, spot-on, tablet) complements a tick scan — it doesn't replace it.

Manage your dog's tick checks, health tracking and training in one place — download Paviento free on iOS and Android.