Why is a dead tick attached to my dog? Does prevention cause this?

Question

HI there , I removed a tick off my dogs head last night . The tick looked exactly like a pimple . The tick was dead . I would like to know reasons why the tick would be dead and attached ? Is it not the point of the tick to suck blood while attached to keep alive ? I am confused as to why my dog had a dead tick attached. Any background information would be great , thanks . Pet's info: Dog | Catahoula Leopard Dog | Male | neutered | 17 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If your dog is on flea and tick prevention then that would cause the tick to die after it was attached. Most preventatives do not repell and the tick needs to attach and start to feed before the product kills them. Otherwise, the tick just may h ave simply died. They stay attached despite being dead. Are you sure it was a tick (just checking!!)? It had 8 legs? It may have been in a hibernating state if where you live is cold. I hope this answers your question, we just may never know why it was dead if your dog isn't on tick prevention. Have a great day!

Why is a dead tick attached to my dog? Does prevention cause this?

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