Uh oh, did your cute canine pal just come inside with tiny creepy crawlers in their fur? No worries, they’re probably just ticks looking for a meal. As per experts like Rossmore Veterinary Hospital, ticks on dogs are common, but we need to get rid of them fast before they bite.
In this article, let’s discuss gentle, safe ways to removing tick from dog to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. Soon you’ll be a tick removal expert.
Use Tick Removal Tools
Special tick tools make easy, no-fuss tick removal. They gently grip the tick to slide it out without any squeezing or pulling. Popular options are spoon-shaped plastic tick removers or tweezer-style extractors. Both work great and cost under $10. I like the tweezer kind. They let you grasp the tick super close to the skin for clean slides out.
Grab Ticks Gently
However you remove ticks – tools, tweezers, or fingers – be very gentle. We don’t want tick heads getting left behind or mouths ripping skin. Use thin, sharp tipped tweezers and carefully grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Avoid the swollen belly. Slowly pull straight up with steady, even pressure. Patience prevents tearing.
Disinfect the Area
Once the nasty little tick comes out, clean the area to prevent infection. Use antibacterial soap, alcohol wipes, or veterinary disinfectants to sanitize the bite spot. Keep an eye out for any skin irritation, swelling or redness over the next few days. See the vet promptly if you notice anything worrisome.
Check for More Ticks
Where there’s one tick, there may be more hiding out. Do a full body tick check on your pooch after every walk. Look closely in furry areas ticks love: ears, armpits, between toes, around eyes and tail. Feel with your fingers too – ticks start tiny so look for any new lumps or bumps.
Remove Ticks Promptly
The quicker you remove ticks, the lower the risks. Use those tick tools soon as you spot one. Ticks often take 24 hours to transmit diseases or illnesses through their bite. Fast removal reduces the chances. And don’t stress if the tick head remains. It will work itself out. Just disinfect it well.
Ask Your Vet About Preventatives
While prompt tick removal is great, prevention is ideal. Ask your veterinarian about medications that repel or kill ticks. Popular options are chewables like Nexgard or topical treatments like Frontline Gold. Some repel ticks, while others kill them fast. See what your vet recommends.
Avoid DIY Tick Removal Methods
Steer clear of home remedies and DIY tricks. Things like:
- Vaseline or oils to suffocate ticks – causes skin irritation.
- Burning ticks with matches – can injure your dog’s skin.
- Twisting ticks out – makes them vomit infected fluids into the bite. Gross.
Stick to proper tick tools and removal techniques to stay safe.
Conclusion
Well those are our top tips for getting ticks out safely and minimizing the risks. Check your pup thoroughly after every romp outside. Following this advice will keep your doggo tick-free and healthy all year long.
