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Why is my dog losing hair after a tick was removed? Is it normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 6 months old | 98 lbs

I recently found a tick on my dog after removing it I noticed a week later a little balding is it due to tick?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 28th, 2017

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Yes, I would guess that this is a leftover from when the tick embedded into Zeke. A tick will release a substance to cement itself in, as well as, a substance to allow feeding. Both of these can set up a local inflammatory response that can result in temporary hair loss, to permanent thickening of the skin, neither of which are a sign of tick disease. Watch for lethargy, loss of appetite, lameness, ocular discharge or anything else that might worry you about Zeke. A simple blood test can detect the presence of most of the common tick diseases.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 17th, 2019

    Yes, it can be normal, as the tick would have been sucking Buddy's blood. Ticks can cause disease, so check out this article for signs to look out for: https://www.southbostonanimalhospital.com/blog/signs-to-look-for-if-your-dog-is-bitten-by-a-tick

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