Home Remedies to Remove Ticks From Dogs

Since ticks can carry disease, you'll want to remove ticks from your dog quickly, and without crushing the tick and possibly having bacteria enter the dog's bloodstream. Once the tick's mouth has become affixed to the skin, it cannot just be pulled off without the probability of leaving the mouth projections in the skin. A few home remedies can effectively remove ticks from dogs.

Prevention

Prevention is the best remedy, so during times when your dog is likely to pick up ticks, check the dog over at least once each day. If you find any ticks before they become attached, simply pick them off and dispose of them properly.

Tweezers

If the tick is attached, use a small pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to the mouth as possible. Firmly pull outward, but do not twist the body.

Tick Removal Device

Special tick-removal devices that function as tweezers also are available in pet departments of retail stores.

Residue

When the tick is removed properly, it is rare for the mouth parts to stay in the skin. If this does happen, the dog's skin will create a small abscess which will dislodge it, or make it easier for you to remove.

Circular Motion

Another home remedy for removing a tick is to rub the tick in a circular motion for about a minute. For some reason, this occasionally causes ticks to back out of the skin.

Disinfecting

After the tick is removed, clean the bite area with a disinfectant or antibiotic ointment. In addition, clean off the tweezers or tick removal device, and wash your hands.

Ineffective Solutions

Alcohol, petroleum jelly and burnt matches are ineffective at removing ticks.

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