How to Remove a Tick From a Dog

Finding a tick embedded in your dog’s skin can send a shiver down your spine. And these tiny parasites are more than just a creepy nuisance — they’re potential carriers of diseases that can affect both your dog and your family. But with the right knowledge and a bit of patience, removing a tick and protecting your pup from future encounters is easier than you might think.

Here’s everything you need to know about safely removing a tick from your dog, what to do afterward, and how to reduce the likelihood of future bites.

Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that latch onto a host to feed on their blood. When attached to dogs, they often appear as tiny, round, dark spots against the fur. And when embedded, they can look like small, engorged bumps on the skin. The size of a tick varies based on how long it’s been attached: Freshly embedded ticks may appear flat, while well-fed ticks often look swollen and gray.

To check your dog for ticks, carefully run your fingers through the fur to feel for small bumps or swollen spots on the skin. If you notice anything, be sure to closely inspect the area. Also be sure to pay special attention to their ears, bellies, between their toes, and all over their face.

If you do find a tick, don’t panic.

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When you find a tick on your dog, you should promptly and carefully remove it to minimize the risk of disease transmission. Here’s how to do it safely:

You’ll want fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, gloves, antiseptic, and a small container with rubbing alcohol.

Ticks can carry pathogens that may be harmful to humans. Wearing gloves minimizes direct contact and helps keep you safe.

If your dog is anxious, it might help to have someone gently hold them or distract them with treats. Adequate lighting is also key to clearly seeing the tick.

Using tweezers or a tick remover, pinch the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible. Avoid squeezing the tick’s body too hard, as this can push bacteria or viruses into the bite site.

Pull the tick out with a slow, steady motion and avoiding twisting or jerking so that the tick’s mouthparts don’t break off and remain in the skin.

Drop the tick into a container with rubbing alcohol to kill it. You can also place it in a sealed bag, wrap it in tape, or flush it down the toilet. Do not crush the tick with your fingers.

Once you remove the tick, clean the bite site with antiseptic to help prevent infection.

After removing the tick, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and disinfect your tools.

Once the tick is gone, monitor the bite site for a few weeks. A small bump is normal and should clear within a few days. However, if you notice persistent redness, swelling, discharge, or signs of discomfort, be sure to speak with your vet. Also be sure to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior. Lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever could be early signs of a tick-borne illness that would require a vet visit.

Read More: Can Dogs Get Sick? How to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Ticks can carry several diseases, and dog ticks are no exception. Certain species, such as the black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick), are known to transmit Lyme disease, which can affect both dogs and humans.

Although not all ticks carry Lyme disease, it’s still wise to take preventative measures, especially if you live in an area where Lyme disease is common. Speak to your vet to get advice on vaccination options and the best tick prevention strategies.

American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis), which are found across most of North America, can bite humans. And while ticks often prefer specific hosts, some other species that feed on dogs may also occasionally attach to humans. That’s why it’s important to carefully handle ticks and use appropriate prevention methods to reduce the risk of exposure to potential pathogens.

Read More: What Is Lyme Disease, and Why Are Cases on the Rise?

Ticks thrive in wooded or grassy areas, so you can try to limit your dog’s exposure in these environments. However, if you and Fido do opt to get off the beaten path, here are a few ways to prevent your dog from getting sick from ticks.

• Regular Tick Checks

  Thoroughly inspect your dog’s fur after outdoor activities, especially after going into tick-prone environments. Be sure to pay special attention to areas like the ears, neck, belly, and paws.

• Maintain Your Yard

  Keep your grass mowed and shrubs trimmed to reduce tick habitats. Removing leaf litter and using tick-control products can also help make your yard less inviting to ticks.

• Consider Vaccination in High-Risk Areas

  In regions where Lyme disease is common, vaccination can provide an extra layer of protection. Your vet can help you determine whether this is appropriate for your dog.

• Use Tick Preventatives

  Discuss with your veterinarian the best tick preventatives for your pet, including topical treatments, collars, or oral medications that either repel or kill ticks before they can transmit diseases.

Although removing a tick from your dog might seem daunting, it’s actually a rather straightforward process when done correctly. By incorporating regular tick checks and taking effective prevention measures, you can do a lot to protect your dog from these tiny but potentially harmful parasites.

Remember, when it comes to your dog’s health, being prepared makes all the difference.

Read More: 450,000 Americans May Have A Meat Allergy Caused By Tick Bites

Our writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:

• Illinois Department of Public Health. Common Ticks

• Humane Society. What to do if you find a tick on your dog

• National Library of Medicine. Tick Removal

• Cleveland Clinic. Tick Bites

• CDC. Preventing Ticks on Pets

• Mayo Clinic. Guide to different tick species and the diseases they carry

• American Veterinary Medical Association. Lyme disease in dogs

• The University of Rhode Island. American Dog Tick

• Illinois Department of Public Health. Common Ticks

• CDC. Preventing Tick Bites

• Entomology Today. To Reduce Tick Encounters, Where You Dump Your Leaves Matters

• American Veterinary Medical Association. Lyme disease in dogs

• Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. Flea and tick prevention

Jake Parks is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in covering science news. He has previously written for Astronomy magazine, Discover Magazine, The Ohio State University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and more.