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Dog has a pimple-like lump on head after tick removal. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 25 lbs

My dog had a tick on her head a week ago and we removed it promptly. The head wasn't left in and as far as I know nothing else was either. Afterward, we found a small lump on her head. It has been over a week and the lump has grown. It is white and sticks up from the skin and overall looks a lot like a pimple. It doesn't seem to be bothering her at all though, Should I be worried?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Veterinarian

Published on May 5th, 2017

The lump is likely a small abscess or infection where the tick was. This not a huge concern, but the diseases that ticks can carry and transmit to your dog are a much more dangerous issue. Visit your veterinarian for a prescription for Advantix or Nexguard so your dog will be prevented from disease transmission like Lyme disease. The lump will likely go away as the small skin infection resolves, but if it doesn't then have your vet look at this as well when you are getting your tick prevention meds.

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 22nd, 2019

    I would be suspicious that this may be a foreign body reaction to s piece of the tick, sometimes a little bit of leg or mouthpiece gets left behind. It doesn't look too severe but would be worth having the vet check to see if there may be bit left behind. Sometimes they rupture of their own accord expelling the piece if foreign material.

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