How to Remove Ticks From Dogs Safely

Why Quick Tick Removal Matters

Ticks can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The longer a tick remains attached, the greater the risk of disease transmission. Most tick-borne diseases require the tick to be attached for 24 to 48 hours before transmission occurs, so prompt removal is your best defense.

How to Properly Remove a Tick

• Use fine-tipped tweezers: Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible. Do not squeeze the body of the tick.
• Pull straight up: Apply steady, even pressure without twisting or jerking. Twisting can cause the mouthparts to break off in the skin.
• Clean the area: After removal, clean the bite site and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
• Dispose properly: Place the tick in alcohol, flush it down the toilet, or seal it in tape. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
• Monitor the site: Watch for redness, swelling, or signs of infection over the following weeks.

What Not to Do

Do not use folklore remedies like applying nail polish, petroleum jelly, or heat to make the tick detach. These methods can cause the tick to regurgitate into the wound, increasing the risk of infection. Do not squeeze or crush the tick's body during removal. If the mouthparts break off, try to remove them with tweezers. If you cannot, leave them alone and let the skin heal.

Preventing Tick Infestations

Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products year-round, not just during summer. Check your dog for ticks after every outdoor adventure, paying special attention to ears, between toes, under the collar, and around the tail. Keep your yard maintained by mowing regularly and removing leaf litter where ticks thrive.

Find tick prevention products and grooming tools at PlusPet to protect your dog from parasites.