How to Properly Remove a Tick from your Dog

Jennifer Nichole Cox is a staff writer for Dogasaur.com and proud momma of one unique “Bentley” dog.

Besides fleas, ticks are probably the worst insect for your dog to come into contact with.  If a tick attaches to your dog’s body, it can spread many different contagious diseases.  So, the sooner a tick is removed from your dog, the better.

Before attempting to remove a tick from your dog, it’s important to identify it first.  Feel through your dog’s fur for hard bumps near the skin.  If you come across a hard bump, spread the fur apart to examine it.  If you conclude that it is indeed a tick, you’ll need to gather the following supplies to assist you in removing it:

• Small glass jar with a lid
• Tweezers
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Gloves

Follow the 8 steps listed below in order to properly remove a tick from your dog:

1. Put some rubbing alcohol in the bottom of a small glass jar with a lid.  This will kill the tick as you remove it from your dog.

2. Since the infections from ticks can be transmitted from dogs to humans, be sure to wear gloves during the tick removal process.

3. Place some rubbing alcohol onto the area where the tick is to help prevent any possible infection.

4. Splash the end of the tweezers with a little rubbing alcohol.

5. Grab the tick with the tip of the tweezers and twist it in a clockwise motion until it loosens up.  Then, pull the tick completely out.

6. Put the tick in the jar and place the lid on top.

7. After removing the tick, sterilize the bite location with a cotton ball that’s been soaked in rubbing alcohol.

8. Watch your dog’s bite location for 3-4 weeks for any redness or swelling.  It normally takes several months for Lyme disease to appear and if your dog does begin to show symptoms such as loss of appetite, weakness, fever, etc., contact your veterinarian immediately.

Remember, it’s always important to check your dog periodically for ticks, especially if he enjoys exploring the woods.  Ticks can also be found hiding in tall grass and leafy trees.

The best thing you can do to keep your dog safe from ticks and contracting Lyme disease is to apply a tick repellant on him. Or if you live in an area where ticks and Lyme disease are a problem, you can ask your veterinarian about a Lyme disease vaccination.  Keep in mind that this vaccination won’t keep ticks away, but your dog will be vaccinated against the disease.  Prevention is the best way to keep your dog safe from ticks.