Removing a tick, or even ticks, from your dog is not pleasant; however it is important to do swiftly and correctly. Once learning how to remove a tick, it’s an easy process.
Ticks can carry many infectious organisms and spread things like Lyme disease and more. So, the sooner you can remove the tick the less chance they will get sick.
A tick has a one-piece body, and they use their mouths to attach for feeding and their crablike legs and sticky secretion helps attach them to the body. They can range in size from almost impossible to see with the naked eye to human fingertips.
How To Remove a Tick
Using a pair of fine-point tweezers is the most common and effective way to remove a tick. Fine-point tweezers avoid tearing the tick and spreading infections.
To remove, spread your dogs fur to grasp the tick and get as close to the skin as possible. Gently, pull straight up in a slow and steady motion. Make sure to prevent breaking the tick.
Another option is the tick removal hook. To use, put the prongs on both sides of the tick and twist up.
Remember to never remove a tick with your fingers. Make sure to always wash your hands after, clean the site with rubbing alcohol, and rinse your tools with disinfectant.
