So this morning, I was cleaning around my puppy’s bed and toys when I noticed something small and shiny on the floor. At first, I honestly thought it was a piece of glass or metal — it had this smooth, metallic grey body that caught the light. But then… it moved.
On closer look, it had short black legs, no wings, and a rounded, pea-sized body that shimmered almost like polished steel. I froze for a second because I had no idea what I was looking at.
The Internet’s Verdict
I posted it on r/whatbugisthis, and the most common answer came back fast:
“It’s likely an engorged dog tick. Make sure to check your puppy (and yourself) for any others.”
Apparently, once ticks feed long enough, they swell up, harden, and their bodies can take on a metallic sheen — especially under certain lighting.
The part that really freaked me out? …
So this morning, I was cleaning around my puppy’s bed and toys when I noticed something small and shiny on the floor. At first, I honestly thought it was a piece of glass or metal — it had this smooth, metallic grey body that caught the light. But then… it moved.
On closer look, it had short black legs, no wings, and a rounded, pea-sized body that shimmered almost like polished steel. I froze for a second because I had no idea what I was looking at.
The Internet’s Verdict
I posted it on r/whatbugisthis, and the most common answer came back fast:
“It’s likely an engorged dog tick. Make sure to check your puppy (and yourself) for any others.”
Apparently, once ticks feed long enough, they swell up, harden, and their bodies can take on a metallic sheen — especially under certain lighting.
The part that really freaked me out? Someone added:
“If you have any suspicion it was attached to you and you start feeling flu-like symptoms, get tested immediately. They can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and other diseases.”
What I Learned
- Always check your pets carefully after walks or outdoor play — even if they’re just in the yard.
- Ticks can look completely different when engorged, especially certain dog tick species.
- Don’t handle them with bare hands — use gloves or tweezers and dispose of them properly.
It’s wild how something that looks like a bit of trash or glass can actually be a parasite. Definitely a wake-up call for me as a new dog owner.
