Where Ticks Love to Hide on Your Dog

Ticks are sneaky little hitchhikers, always looking for a free ride—especially on your dog. Whether you're hiking in the woods, walking through a grassy park, or just letting your pup roam the backyard, these tiny pests are waiting to latch on.

But here’s the real problem: ticks don’t just cause itching and irritation. They carry serious diseases that can harm both dogs and humans. That’s why checking your dog for ticks every single time they come inside is so important.

The tricky part? Ticks are experts at hiding in places you wouldn’t expect. You might think a quick look over your pup’s back and belly is enough, but these parasites love to settle in the least obvious spots.

So, where exactly should you check? Here are seven hidden places ticks love to hide on your dog—and how to spot them before they become a bigger problem.

1. Ears – A Warm, Cozy Hiding Spot

Dogs love sniffing around in bushes, tall grass, and wooded areas, making their ears prime real estate for ticks. Because of the deep folds and crevices inside the ear, ticks can burrow in and go completely unnoticed.

What to do:

• Check both inside and outside of the ears.
• Look for tiny bumps along the edges or deep in the ear canal.
• If your dog is shaking their head or scratching excessively, something might be hiding in there.

2. Between the Toes – The Perfect Sneaky Spot

Ticks love dark, moist areas, and there’s no better hiding place than between your dog’s toes. These pests can even wedge themselves into the pads of your dog’s feet. If your pup suddenly starts licking or chewing at their paws, take a closer look—you might find an unwanted guest.

What to do:

• Gently spread their toes apart and check for tiny bumps.
• Run your fingers along the bottom of their paws and pads.
• If you feel something hard and round, take a closer look—it could be a tick!

3. The Tail – Easy to Overlook

Most pet owners check their dog’s back and belly but completely forget about the tail. Ticks love to hide underneath the tail and near the base, especially if your dog has a fluffy coat.

What to do:

• Lift the tail and examine the underside near the base.
• Use a fine-tooth comb to run through thick fur.
• Feel for small bumps that weren’t there before.

4. Groin & Inner Thighs – A Hidden Danger Zone

Nobody wants to check their dog’s private areas, but unfortunately, ticks love this spot. It’s dark, warm, and protected—everything a tick looks for in a hiding place.

What to do:

• Gently lift their back legs and inspect the inner thighs.
• Look around the belly where the skin is softer and easier for ticks to attach.
• If you find a tick, use fine-point tweezers to remove it carefully.

5. Eyelids – Often Mistaken for Skin Tags

This one is tricky! Many dog owners mistake ticks for tiny skin tags or even dried eye discharge. But if a bump near your dog’s eye suddenly appears or changes in size, it could actually be a tick that’s been there for a while.

What to do:

• Check around the edges of the eyes for any new bumps.
• If a bump looks hard, round, and dark, inspect it closer.
• Be careful when removing a tick near the eye—if you’re unsure, call your vet.

6. Under the Collar – An Easy-to-Miss Hiding Place

Most of us don’t remove our dog’s collar often, which makes this the perfect hiding spot for ticks. Once a tick gets underneath, it can stay there undetected for days.

What to do:

• Remove the collar once a week and check the skin underneath.
• Feel around for any small lumps you haven’t noticed before.
• Wash your dog’s collar regularly—ticks can crawl on and hide in it, too!

7. Under the Front Legs – The ‘Armpits’ of Your Dog

Just like humans, dogs have warm, soft spots under their front legs that ticks find irresistible. This area is difficult for your dog to scratch, making it an easy place for ticks to stay hidden for a long time.

What to do:

• Gently lift your dog’s front legs and check in the crease where the leg meets the body.
• If your dog seems extra sensitive in that area, take a closer look.
• Remove any ticks using fine-tipped tweezers or a special tick-removal tool.

The Best Way to Keep Ticks Away? Prevention is Key.

Ticks are more than just annoying—they’re dangerous. Diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be transmitted to your dog within 48 hours of a tick bite.

Here’s how to protect your pup:
✅ Use vet-approved tick prevention treatments (oral, topical, or collars).
✅ Check your dog daily—especially after outdoor adventures.
✅ Keep your yard clean and trimmed—ticks love tall grass.
✅ Wash your dog’s bedding and collar regularly.
✅ Remove ticks immediately and properly if you find one.

If you ever notice your dog feeling sluggish, losing appetite, or acting strange after a tick bite, don’t wait—call your vet right away.

Want more expert tips on keeping your dog safe from pests and parasites? 

Final Thoughts

Ticks may be tiny, but they’re a big problem. By knowing where to check and staying proactive with prevention, you can keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and tick-free all year long.

So, the next time your dog comes inside from a walk, take a few extra minutes to check for ticks. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your dog’s health.