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Dog has a bump after tick removal. Is the tick head still there?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Toy Poodle | Female | 1 year and 3 months old | 3.52 lbs

My dog was bitten by tick. This is the tick which i pulled by my hand.. I wonder if the head of the tick still intact on my dogs skin.. Because its been a week or two, still theres very small pimple like on her skin.. I already asked a vet but said its fine.. Is it really fine if i leave the pimple as is?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on February 22nd, 2019

It looks like the tick came out in one piece. When a tick bites, the saliva can cause a localized reaction leading to a firm granuloma. This should resolve on it's own over the next few weeks. In the meantime, consider an oral or topical preventative.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on March 19th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is not uncommon after a tick is removed and it does not necessarily mean the head was left behind. Inflammation is usually going to be present initially but eventually will subside. I recommend that you continue to monitor the affected site for the next 48 hours. If no improvement then I would consider having him evaluated by a veterinarian. Otherwise, he is likely going to be just fine. Good luck and have a good night!

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 30th, 2017

    No, you don't need to apply anything, the presence of a small bump after a tick removal is quite common and normal, it should go down within 1-2 weeks. if you see that it starts to look bigger or inflamed, then the head of the tick is probably still inside. in such a case you might want to take him to the vet to have it removed.

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 22nd, 2019

    This looks like a deer tick, and I think I can almost see the head in the picture although it’s difficult to say for certain. I agree that even if part of the head was left behind it is very unlikely to cause a problem, other than some inflammation that should resolve with time. If you feel like the bump is bothering Dixie or if it’s getting bigger you may want to recheck with your vet.

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