Do Huskies Get Ticks? [Are They a Target?]

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

If your Husky is a fan of outdoor adventures, chances are they may encounter some unexpected guests on their bodies along the way.

Do Huskies get ticks?

Well, there’s good and bad news.

Yes, the bad news is that Huskies are not immune to these critters and can indeed pick up ticks, but the good news is that you can definitely do something to prevent it from happening.

Let’s find out more.

Can Huskies Get Ticks?

Unfortunately, yes. Huskies can indeed get ticks. These little bloodsuckers love to hang out in areas with lots of vegetation or where other animals roam. 

So, if you and your furry pal live in a place surrounded by grass and woods, it’s a must to be extra vigilant in protecting them from these tiny pests. 

What Are the Different Types of Ticks?

While all ticks can pose risks, it’s important to be aware of the specific types in your area and take precautions to protect your Husky accordingly. 

• The black-legged tick is one type that you have to watch out for. It is commonly found in wooded areas. Some call them deer ticks. These blood-sucking parasites can transmit diseases like Lyme disease.
• If you live near grassy areas or forest edges, beware of the American dog tick. This one can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever. 
• There’s also the brown dog tick. Now this parasite is a danger not only to dogs but also to their humans. What’s worse is that they are known for infesting indoor areas.

What Are the Ways a Husky Can Get Ticks?

Your Husky’s love for the outdoors can put them at risk of encountering ticks. Here are some common ways in which your furry pal can pick up these critters. 

Walking in tall grass or wooded areas

When your pet roams through tall grass or explores wooded areas during your walks or hikes, they can easily come into contact with ticks that inhabit these environments. 

Ticks tend to lurk in vegetation and latch onto passing animals, including your furry friend.

Being in areas where ticks are prevalent

Certain regions have higher tick populations, increasing the chances of your Husky encountering them. 

If you live in an area plagued with ticks, your furry pal may be more susceptible to picking up these pests during any outdoor excursions.

Contact with other animals infested with ticks

Ticks can be transferred from one animal to another.

If your furry pal interacts with other animals that are infested with ticks, there is a high risk of tick transmission. 

This can happen during playdates, visits to dog parks, or encounters with wildlife.

How Do You Check Your Husky for Ticks? 

After every outdoor adventure with your Husky, you should try to give them a thorough check for ticks.

These pesky parasites can latch onto your pet and potentially cause health issues.

By promptly finding and removing any ticks, you can address the situation before it escalates.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to help you effectively check your Husky for ticks.

1. Choose a quiet space where you can comfortably examine your Husky without distractions. It is better if the place is well-lit so you can be sure not to miss any lurking ticks.
2. Start by inspecting your Husky’s head, including the ears, around the eyes, and under the chin. Ticks are often attracted to these areas.
3. Then move down to the neck and collar region, thoroughly examining for any signs of ticks or tick bites. These look like red bumps or welts on the skin.
4. Carefully run your hands over your Husky’s body, feeling for any small bumps or abnormalities. Pay extra attention to your pet’s chest, armpits, legs, and underbelly.
5. Lift your furry pal’s tail and check around the tail base and the anal area. Ticks may hide in these warm and protected spots.
6. Don’t forget to check between the toes, around the paw pads, and along the legs for any ticks that may have attached themselves.
7. Once you have completed the thorough inspection, go over your Husky’s body one more time to make sure no ticks have been missed. 

Where Are the Common Spots to Find Ticks on a Dog?

You’ll need to check your pet’s entire body for ticks, but certain spots warrant a closer look.

Pay extra attention to these areas while conducting your inspection:

1. Head and Ears – There are lots of nooks and crannies around the head and ears of your pet. You must check these parts carefully.
2. Neck and Collar Area – Ticks can easily hide in the fur around the neck and collar area, as well as beneath any attached collar.
3. Armpits and Groin – These warm and protected areas are attractive to ticks, so be sure to thoroughly inspect these regions.
4. Between Toes – Often overlooked, these spaces between your pet’s toes can be great hiding places for ticks. 
5. Underbelly and Genital Area – These critters can crawl up from the lower body to the underbelly or genital area, so make sure to check these areas thoroughly.

 Are Ticks Harmful to Huskies?

Yes! Ticks can be harmful to Huskies, as well as to any other dog breed. 

The bite of these parasites can be the source of Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, and more. 

These tiny parasites can pose various health risks to dogs, leading to symptoms like fever, fatigue, joint pains, and anemia.

If the tick problem is not addressed, it can even lead to damage to organs.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Pros and cons of Lyme vaccine for dogs

Signs of Tick-borne Diseases

Tick bites are not just uncomfortable for your furry friend, but they can also pose a risk of serious diseases. 

If your pet suddenly experiences loss of energy, loss of appetite, fever, or joint swelling, it’s crucial to carefully check for ticks and tick bites. 

If you find any, promptly remove them and reach out to your veterinarian.

Expect to be asked to bring in your pet for a quick check-up.

How to Remove Ticks From Your Husky?

Warning: Proceed with caution when removing ticks from your Husky to ensure effective and safe removal. 

1. Start by preparing the necessary tools. In my opinion, a good pair of tweezers works the best. If you have a tick removal tool, then use that instead. 
2. Next, prepare your gloves and some antiseptic. Rubbing alcohol will do.
3. Once you have everything ready, carefully locate the tick on your pet’s body, parting their fur and checking all areas. 
4. Use the tweezers or tool to grasp the tick. Try to get as close to your dog’s skin as possible. Then, gently and steadily pull the critter out.
5. Avoiding any twisting or jerking motions that may cause the mouthparts to break off. Also, avoid crushing the tick to prevent the release of harmful bacteria. 
6. After successfully removing the pest, clean the bite area with the antiseptic. Get rid of the tick by dipping it in alcohol and sealing it in a container. This will ensure that the pest is dead before throwing it out.  

How Can I Prevent and Protect My Husky From Ticks?

Tick prevention is a never-ending battle, and even our most diligent efforts can’t guarantee complete protection for our pets. 

These persistent little critters have a knack for finding their way onto our furry friends, no matter how well we barricade our homes. However, don’t despair! 

By implementing these practices, you can greatly minimize the risks and keep your Husky as tick-free as possible.

• After outdoor activities, thoroughly inspect your Husky for any ticks. Pay close attention to the areas mentioned above.
• Use vet-approved tick control products like spot treatments, collars, or oral medications. These can help repel and kill ticks before they attach to your pet’s skin.
• Consider using tick-repellent sprays or powders designed for dogs, especially when venturing into tick-prone areas. These products create a barrier that deters ticks from latching onto your Husky.
• Regularly mow the grass and remove leaf litter to create a less favorable environment for ticks. If ticks are really a huge problem in your area, consider using tick repellents or treatments in your yard to reduce tick populations.
• When possible, avoid walking your Husky in tall grass, dense vegetation, or wooded areas where ticks are commonly found. Stick to cleared paths and open spaces.
• Finally, ask your vet about tick-borne disease vaccinations that may be available for your Husky. Vaccinations can provide an extra layer of protection against certain illnesses.

I personally use this particular collar for my dogs:

Doggy says, consider reading this too: Best dog collar to prevent matting

When Should You Contact Your Veterinarian?

Knowing when to contact your vet is crucial when it comes to tick-related concerns. So, when should you reach out? 

Let’s say you’ve removed the tick successfully from your Husky, but you notice that the bite area is getting worse or showing signs of infection, it’s time to seek veterinary advice. 

The same solution applies if you think your furry pal has a tick-borne disease. 

Additionally, if you encounter difficulties in removing a tick or if your Husky has an allergic reaction or excessive itching following a tick bite, don’t hesitate to go to a professional for help.

What Potential Problems Come With Tick Removal?

Being aware of potential problems during tick removal is crucial. It will guide you on what to do should any complications arise. 

One common issue is accidentally leaving behind the tick’s mouthparts in your Husky’s skin, which can lead to irritation or infection. 

Additionally, ticks can carry diseases, posing a risk of pathogen transmission during the removal process. 

If you encounter difficulties, such as excessive bleeding, signs of infection, or if the bite site simply isn’t healing properly, it’s best to seek veterinary assistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In Conclusion: Do Huskies Get Ticks?

Even though Huskies have dense coats that provide some protection against ticks, they can still be susceptible to these pesky parasites.

You need to ensure your dog gets regular grooming, tick prevention measures, and frequent checks to keep it tick-free and healthy.

Check out these other dog care tips too:

• What if you gave your dog heartworm pill early?
• What to feed a puppy with coccidia?
• My dog ate a cricket!