Proper Tick Removal

tickWarningXSmRichmond Dog owners know that fall is such a great time for outdoor activities with your pet. If your dog spends a significant amount of time outside, he is likely to encounter ticks. As long as you treat your dog with a flea and tick preventive, the occasional tick should not do him any harm but you may still find them. Check your dog for ticks after every walk, especially during the  Summer and Fall. Follow these procedures for removing ticks when you find them.

  1. Select a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick. Do not attempt to remove ticks using your fingers because if you do it wrong, you may end up removing the body while leaving the head still embedded in your dog’s skin.
  2. Pinch the head or mouth parts of the tick using the tweezers. Make sure to get as close as possible to the area where the tick is attached to your dog’s skin.
  3. Pull firmly and steadily away from your dog’s body, maintaining steady pressure on the tweezers to dislodge the tick. Do not twist as you pull.
  4. Drop the tick into a jar of rubbing alcohol or soapy water to kill it. Do not throw the tick in the garbage or flush it down the toilet because these methods will not kill the tick.
  5. Clean the area surrounding the bite using a dog-safe disinfectant.
  6. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the bite area, if desired.
  7. Wash your hands thoroughly.

After removing the tick from your dog’s body, check the bite area daily. Some irritation may occur and the bite may scar, leaving a small hairless area on your dog’s body. If your dog experiences a serious reaction or if the wound does not heal within a few days, seek veterinary care.