Removing Ticks from Your Dog

When you find a tick on your dog, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. The longer the tick stays in your dog, the greater his chances of developing Lyme Disease, or another tick-carried illness. These medical conditions can be very painful for your dog so do everything in your power to protect your dog from these parasites and their bacterias. Always remember that if you have any questions or hesitations, contact your veterinarian immediately for specific advice for your dog and situation.

It is best to have a tick-kit ready for tick season each year. Keep it full of latex gloves as well as tweezers. Be sure to disinfect the tweezers after each use to keep things clean and sanitary. Additionally, if your dog has extremely long hair, you may want to include small hair clips to hold the hair back as you work on removing the tick. Keep an all-natural dog soap on hand to clean the area once the tick is removed.

Wear gloves to keep your hands clean and safe throughout the procedure. Often times, it is very helpful to have a friend or family member hold and comfort your dog while your work on getting the tick out of your dog’s skin, though many dogs are well behaved enough to sit quietly on their own. Remember to stay calm throughout the procedure for the most effectiveness, and to make the situation less upsetting for your dog.

Using the tweezers, very carefully pull the tick straight out of your dog’s skin. However, if the tick is already bloated with blood, be very careful not to burst the tick. Additionally, make sure you pull it straight out of the skin to prevent leaving the head and teeth still in your dog’s skin. It takes focus and precision, but it is possible and absolutely essential for your dog. If you need assistance, do call your veterinarian.

Always dispose of the tick when you are finished. It is probably best to just flush it down your toilet. And remember to praise and reward your dog when you are done with the procedure.