Ticks tend to hide on dogs in warm, dark, and less accessible areas where they are less likely to be disturbed. Common hiding spots include:
- Groin area : This is a dark, warm spot rarely exposed to light, making it ideal for ticks
- Armpits (where the front legs meet the body) : A difficult-to-reach area for dogs to scratch or bite, providing a good hiding place for ticks
- Under the tail : Especially in dogs with tails that lie close to their bodies, this moist, dark area is favored by ticks
- Between the toes and on the bottom of the feet : Ticks burrow in these nooks and crannies where they are protected and less visible
- Inside and around the ears : Ticks often hide deep inside the ear canal or behind the ears, especially in dogs with floppy ears
- Around and under the collar : The collar area is warm and often overlooked, making it a prime spot for ticks to attach
- Neck area : The skin around the neck is also warm and dark, often covered by fur or the collar, providing a good hiding place
Ticks prefer these areas because they are dark, warm, moist, and difficult for the dog to reach or for owners to inspect easily
. When checking your dog for ticks, it is important to thoroughly inspect these spots, using a flashlight if needed, and remove any ticks promptly to prevent health risks