What can owners expect to notice in their dog if a tick is present?

When a tick is present on a dog, one of the most noticeable signs can be the development of lameness. This is often due to a tick bite causing localized irritation or inflammation. Additionally, certain ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which may lead to joint pain and associated lameness as the dog's body reacts to the infection.

The other options do not accurately represent typical responses to a tick infestation. Increased vocalization is generally associated with discomfort or stress, but it is not a specific or common reaction to ticks. Heightened energy levels are unlikely, as an animal with tick-related health issues is more likely to exhibit lethargy or decreased activity. Similarly, improvements in coat quality would not be expected; in fact, ticks and the associated health problems can lead to a poorer coat condition rather than an improvement.