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Dog tick bite swollen after removal: Is the head still in?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 2 years and 5 months old | 22 lbs

hello my dog had a tick about 2 weeks ago. when i called vet, he told me to insert iodine on it and then remove. we removed it and tick was alive. now bit is swallen like a little ball. can you tell me if its left head on it or there something else?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 28th, 2018

I am sorry to hear about Neka. Usually even if the head is left behind the body will push it out eventually. I would be concerned about a localized infection. You can clean the area with mild soap and apply a topical antibiotic 3 times a day. If the lesion doesn’t decrease in size in a few days a visit to the vet is recommended.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 30th, 2018

    Unfortunately the photo did not upload, so I cannot tell you whether the head of the tick is still in the skin. However, if it is, the body will eventually reject it, so that is no problem. By now, however, the swelling from the tick bite should have gone down, so there maybe an infection. I suggest you have your veterinarian look at it to make sure there is no abscess or similar problem.

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