As much as we love our furry friends, we absolutely hate to see ticks on them. In fact, if you’ve ever found one of these pesky parasites on your dog, you know it can be stressful.
Not to mention the health risks they carry. After all, ticks aren’t just a nuisance, they’re a serious threat capable of spreading diseases like Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis.
But how to remove ticks on dogs?
This is one question I often get from pet parents and I am sure you’re curious about it too.
As someone who’s spent years grooming pets helping pet owners tackle tick troubles, let me tell you it’s easier than it seems.
Read on, as I detail a step-by-step process to safely remove ticks to prevent future infestations.
What is a tick on a dog and why is it dangerous?
For starters, ticks are tiny parasites that can seriously impact your dog’s health. These little critters lurk in tall grass, leaf litter, wooded trails, and even in well-kept suburban yards.
Interestingly, they don’t fly or jump but instead climb onto blades of grass or bushes and wait for a host (your dog in this case) to brush by.
And once they latch on, they feed by embedding their mouthparts into your dog’s skin and sucking blood.
What’s worse?
This can sometimes go on for days or even weeks if not found and removed.
Talking about the danger of ticks, they can transmit a variety of harmful pathogens into your dog’s bloodstream. And some of these pathogens like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever can lead to lifelong health complications
Moreover, there have even been instances of canine deaths when these were left untreated.
What makes it even more scary is that tick on dog symptoms don’t show up for days or even weeks. Also, ticks don’t discriminate and any dog, no matter the breed or age, is at risk if they spend time outdoors.
How to spot a tick on a dog?
Before you can remove and treat a tick bite on dog, you’ll first have to spot and identify it. And this isn’t as simple as just looking since ticks can sneak into little corners.
In my experience, it’s often your hands that will find a tick before your eyes do. So, I suggest you start by slowly running your hands over your dog’s body, feeling for any small bumps or lumps.
You see, even though ticks are as tiny as a sesame seed when they’ve latched on, they can swell to the size of a raisin after feeding.
Also, ticks usually prefer warm and hidden spots. And this calls for close attention to common hiding places like the head and ears where ticks burrow themselves, especially during a DIY dog ear wash.
The same thing goes for areas under the collar and around the neck that often go unnoticed during routine grooming.
And not to forget areas between the toes that are dark, moist, and hard to see unless you spread the toes gently. I’ve found so many ticks nestled in this webbing.
The tail base and groin area are also popular tick hangouts. But with regular washing and mobile dog grooming benefits this isn’t as big a concern.
Pro tip: Always do a daily tick check, especially during spring and summer or after a walk through tall grass or wooded trails.
How to remove ticks on dogs?
Now that you know what’s a tick bite on dog and how you can detect one in the course of regular grooming and care, let me address your biggest question.
Let me begin by saying that you need not be a pet grooming specialist to remove ticks from your pup. In fact, with the correct tools, right steps, and a little patience, pretty much everyone can remove ticks.
And it all starts with getting the required tools handy, which includes:
- Fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool (like a tick twister or tick key)
- Gloves (optional but recommended)
- Antiseptic (like chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine)
- A small container or ziplock bag
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Treats for your pup (as a reward after you’ve removed the ticks)
Now, once you’ve got everything in one place, you can start following the steps for tick on dog removal, which includes:
Step 1: Calm yourself and your pup
Simple as it might seem, calming yourself and your dog before tick removal is super important.
Why?
Well, dogs are intuitive and they read your body language and energy. That means if you panic, they will too, making the whole experience harder for both of you.
So, take a deep breath before you start, speak to your dog in a calm and reassuring tone, and let them know everything’s okay.
For instance, I usually say something like, “Alright, buddy, let’s check you out,” in a gentle voice. And I stay as composed as possible since it sets the tone for a smoother process, more so if the tick is in a sensitive spot.
Step 2: Secure your dog
Next up, you’ll need to secure your dog properly for a successful and stress-free tick removal.
You see, even the calmest dog might flinch or move suddenly if they feel discomfort. And this is especially true if the tick is in a sensitive area like their ears or toes.
So, I suggest you get someone to help you and ask them to gently hold your dog or offer treats and affection while you work.
For smaller dogs, you can place them on a non-slip surface like a bath mat or yoga mat as it gives them stability. Even better, you can place them inside a dog wash station to maintain control.
Similarly, you can kneel beside your dog or have them lie down if they are too large.
Bonus
Some dogs do better with distractions. For instance, I’ve had success using lick mats smeared with peanut butter or plain yogurt to keep their focus elsewhere.
At the same time, if a dog tends to get anxious or fidgety, I speak softly and pet them often. This lets them know I am there to help and not hurt.
Step 3: Grasp the tick
This step is where technique really matters. Here, you’ll use your fine-tipped tweezers or tick removal tool and grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible.
Ideally, you should get hold of the tick right where the tick enters the skin. That’s because you want to remove the entire tick, including its head, and leave nothing behind.
Moreover, if you grab the tick by the body or abdomen, you risk squeezing it. And this can force infected saliva or stomach contents into your dog’s bloodstream, increasing the chances of disease transmission.
Note: Don’t tug too hard, especially on smaller or deeply embedded ticks, as this can break the tick apart.
Step 4: Pull steadily
The fourth step in how to remove ticks on dogs involves actually removing the parasite from your dog’s body using tweezers or a Tick Twister.
And here’s how you can do so with either of the tools:
A. If you’re using tweezers
For those of you who are using tweezers or a similar tick removal tool, you should apply slow yet steady pressure. And once you’ve grasped the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull straight up in one smooth and even motion.
The key here is to now twist, jerk, or yank it out since sudden movement can cause the tick’s body to break off. And this, in turn, can leave the mouthparts embedded in your dog’s skin.
B. If you’re using a Tick Twister
For those of you who are using a Tick Twister, you should gently rotate the tool, generally two or three turns in the same direction, and then lift upward.
You see, these tools are designed to ease the tick out by loosening its grip and without squeezing it. And it does so by leveraging the shape of the tool to separate the tick’s mouthparts from the skin without tearing.
Pro tip: Take your time and have a clean removal as it will mean you’re far less likely to have complications later.
Step 5: Dispose of the tick
Once you’ve removed the tick, your next step is to get rid of it safely. And here, I don’t mean flushing it or squishing it between your fingers as this can release infectious fluids that are harmful to both you and your dog.
Instead, drop the tick into a small container filled with isopropyl alcohol. This will kill the tick quickly and prevent it from crawling away or surviving to bite again.
Note: Always save the tick for a few weeks and label the container with the date and location on your dog’s body where you found it. That’s because if your dog starts showing signs of illness like lethargy, limping, or fever, your vet may want to test the tick to identify diseases it could have carried.
Step 6: Clean the area
It is important to clean your dog’s skin thoroughly to prevent irritation or secondary infection.
After all, even a clean removal can leave a tiny wound where the tick was attached. And just like with a splinter or insect bite, bacteria can sneak in if the area isn’t properly disinfected.
Talking about cleaning material, I suggest you use a pet-safe antiseptic like chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine. Not only are these gentle on the skin but they’re also effective at killing bacteria and soothing minor inflammation.
You can apply the antiseptic using a clean cotton pad or gauze, dabbing gently over the bite area.
Now, while cleaning the tick-infested area, you might notice a small red bump or a slight scab forming over the next day or two, and this is normal.
However, if there is excessive swelling, pus, or persistent redness, this could indicate infection or an allergic reaction. Also, in rare cases, the skin might form a small lump that lasts several days, especially if your dog is sensitive.
Step 7: Wash your hands
Even if you wore gloves, it’s crucial to wash your hands thoroughly after tick removal. That’s because ticks carry various diseases and even the most careful removal can leave behind tiny traces of tick saliva or infected fluids.
Gloves do provide a protective barrier, and I get it. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to handling parasites.
So, take my advice and wash your hands with soap and warm water, scrubbing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. And as you do so, pay close attention to areas like your nails and wrists.
Also, it’s an excellent idea to sanitize the tools you used. This will ensure you won’t accidentally spread germs or parasites to your dog, yourself, or your home.
What to do If the tick’s head stays in?
It’s not uncommon for a tick’s head or mouthparts to get stuck in your dog’s skin after removal. And while it might seem alarming, let me tell you there’s no need to panic.
You see, in most cases, the tick’s body comes off but its head can remain embedded. In such cases, here’s what I suggest you do:
First, do not dig around aggressively trying to remove the remaining parts as poking too much will cause more damage to your dog’s skin. Worse, it can push the mouthparts further in and increase the risk of infection.
So instead, you should gently clean the area with an antiseptic like chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine to prevent bacteria from entering the wound.
More often than not, your dog’s body will naturally expel the tick’s head over time. But until that happens, keep an eye on your dog and make sure they’re not excessively scratching or licking the area.
Also, if the inflammation worsens or if you notice any signs of infection such as pus, swelling, or redness, you should definitely contact your veterinarian.
4 Things to consider during tick on dog removal
1. Don’t use petroleum jelly or alcohol
It’s tempting to want to make the tick removal process faster or easier with old home remedies to remove ticks on dogs. And sometimes this might involve smothering the tick with petroleum jelly, rubbing alcohol, or even using a match to burn it off.
However, these methods are not only ineffective but they can also make the situation worse.
For instance, petroleum jelly or alcohol might cause the tick to burrow deeper into the skin.
Similarly, burning the tick with a match or lighter can cause the tick to reflexively regurgitate, pushing dangerous pathogens directly into your dog’s bloodstream.
So, it’s better to stick to tried-and-true methods like fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool to avoid these risks. Also, you can use essential oil for tick removal on dogs, since it’s far less dangerous.
2. Act quickly yet carefully
The sooner you remove a tick the better you eliminate the danger of diseases like Lyme disease or Anaplasmosis.
But that said, it’s also important not to rush the removal. That’s because quickly pulling the tick out with force can cause parts of it to break off and leave the head embedded in your dog’s skin.
3. Always stay calm
As with any pet care situation, it is essential you stay calm no matter what.
The idea is simple: If you’re panicking, your dog will likely sense it and start to panic too. And this will make the situation more difficult for both of you.
4. Use proper tool
When it comes to tick removal, using the right tools is non-negotiable. That’s because ordinary household tweezers just won’t cut it and you need fine-tipped tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool like a Tick Twister or Tick Key.
These tools are designed specifically to grasp the tick close to the skin and remove it cleanly, without squeezing or crushing the body.
FAQs about how to remove ticks on dogs
How to prevent ticks on dogs?
To prevent tick on a dog, I suggest you a vet-recommended tick prevention treatment such as topical solutions, oral medications, or tick collars.
Also, you should regularly check your dog, especially after walks in grassy or wooded areas. And as you do so, focus on ears, neck, and underarms.
Most importantly, keep your yard well-maintained by mowing grass, removing leaf litter, and creating tick-free zones. And bathe your dog with tick-repellent shampoos after each play session.
Are there home remedies to remove ticks on dogs?
Yes, but they call for caution.
To safely remove a tick, I strongly advise you to use fine-tipped tweezers only and avoid using home remedies like petroleum jelly, alcohol, or heat.
How to remove a tick on a dog with vaseline?
I don’t recommend using vaseline for tick removal. Here’s why:
Although the idea is to suffocate the tick, this can cause it to release harmful bacteria into your dog, increasing the risk of disease.
What happens If you don’t remove a tick?
If a tick is left attached to your dog, it can continue feeding for several days, increasing the risk of transmitting dangerous diseases.
Ticks typically need to be attached for 24-48 hours to transmit diseases like Lyme disease or Anaplasmosis. The longer a tick stays on your dog, the higher the chance it will pass on pathogens.
Can ticks transfer from your Dog to you?
Yes, ticks can crawl onto humans!
Ticks are not species-specific; they will attach to any warm-blooded animal, including us. That’s why, after you remove a tick from your dog, it’s crucial to check yourself for ticks.
What are the symptoms of tick-borne diseases in dogs?
Symptoms of tick-borne diseases in dogs often don’t appear immediately, and sometimes they can be subtle at first. Common signs to watch out for include:
- Fever: A sudden spike in temperature is often the first sign.
- Lethargy: Your dog may seem more tired or sluggish than usual.
- Lameness: Limbs may become stiff, or your dog may limp, particularly if the disease affects the joints.
- Swollen Joints: Swelling in the joints can be painful for your dog and often results in a change in their mobility.
- Loss of Appetite: If your dog is suddenly uninterested in food, it could be a sign of infection or illness.
If your dog shows any of these symptoms after a tick bite, it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
What should you do if your dog has multiple ticks?
If you discover that your dog has multiple ticks attached to them, especially after a walk in a tick-infested area, don’t panic.
First, remove each tick carefully, one by one, using the same procedure as you would for a single tick.
Then, inspect your dog’s entire body, including under their collar, in their ears, between their toes, and around their tail.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or if your dog has dozens of ticks, it’s a good idea to call your vet. They might recommend a special medicated bath or oral treatments that can kill ticks faster and more effectively.
To sum up
So far in the blog, you already know how to remove ticks on dogs and make sure your pup stays safe from these pathogens.
In these cases, your best course of action should always be to stay calm and promptly.
And don’t hesitate to call the vet if:
- You can’t remove the tick completely.
- The bite site looks infected (pus, extreme redness, or swelling).
- Your dog shows signs of illness.
- There are multiple ticks and you’re overwhelmed.
Got more questions or need to get your pup groomed for tick removal?
You can get in touch with us!
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We are also seasoned pet groomers offering mobile grooming in Memphis, TN, and beyond. And we’ve got your dog’s grooming needs covered on a budget.
