Why didn't my vet prescribe antibiotics after my dog got a tick bite?

Question

Hi - I pulled a tick out of my dog using baby oil yesterday. I don’t know how long it was there. I called my vet and they told me to just watch my dog and make sure he is acting normal (eating, pooping, etc) I’m just wondering why they didn’t prescribe an antibiotic (when I had a tick on me, my doctor gave me a dose of an antibiotic right away). Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 70 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. Not all medical doctors will treat a person bitten by a tick with antibiotics. It is overkill for you, as well as overkill for your pet. It is just not necessary. However, if you live in a Lymes endemic area, or you are immunocompromised, then antibiotics might be appropriate, but we absolutely do not automatically treat dogs with tick bites. I would never treat myself with antibiotics each time I pulled off a tick, & I get several each year. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Why didn't my vet prescribe antibiotics after my dog got a tick bite?

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