How to Get a Tick Off of a Dog

If you live near ticks, check your dog regularly.

Ticks can transmit serious infections to your pets, so removing one as soon as you see it is essential. The procedure to remove a tick is simple, but thoroughness will ensure that your dog doesn't still get sick. Save the tick to show your veterinarian in the event that your dog does fall ill.

Things You'll Need

• Tweezers
• Gloves
• Small container
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antibiotic cream

Instructions

1. Gather a pair of clean tweezers and place some rubbing alcohol in a small container. Pull on the protective gloves.

2. Part the hair on your dog around the tick. Using the tweezers, grab the tick and gently pull it straight out in a steady motion.

3. Drop the tick into the container. Inspect your dog to make sure that you've removed the entire tick. Any remaining parts can cause an infection.

4. Apply antibiotic cream to the tick-removal area, then sterilize the tweezers with alcohol.

5. Observe your dog for any symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, such as a reluctance to move, swollen joints, fever, fatigue or loss of appetite.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a special tick-removal tool instead of tweezers.

• Check all pets for ticks.

• Do not try to remove the tick with a match or other methods as the tick may inject it's poison into your pet's skin.

References

• Humane Society: Getting a Tick Off of Your Dog