How to Remove Ticks From a Dog

Ticks can cause Lyme disease.

Ticks are small parasites that feed on the blood of humans and animals by penetrating the skin's surface with their heads and sucking out the blood. Because ticks carry serious diseases, removing them from yourself and from pets is essential.

Things You'll Need

• Pointed tweezers
• Plastic bag

Instructions

1. Locate the tick on your dog.

2. Grasp the tick with the tweezers and remove it from your pet. Do not twist or jerk the tick as you remove it. It should release its hold without the head breaking off inside your pet's body. If you attempt to yank out the tick with something such as your fingers, there is a chance the tick's head will break off and remain under the skin's surface.

3. Once the tick is removed, place it in a jar of rubbing alcohol to kill it. Or save the tick in a plastic bag and contact your veterinarian about having it identified.

4. Treat the bite area with a first aid antiseptic.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use fire, alcohol or petroleum jelly to help remove the tick.

References

• KidsHealth: Tick Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Doctors Foster and Smith: How to Remove a Tick
• Texas A&M University: The Tick App