How to Get Rid of Ticks on Puppies

Help keep your puppy free of ticks.

The combination of warmer weather and curious puppies usually results in the puppies picking up a few ticks. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ticks carry illnesses such as Lyme disease, Southern tick-associated rash illness and tick-borne relapsing fever. These potentially harmful diseases can be brought into a home and spread to humans. Prompt removal of the tick from the puppy's body will ensure that both the puppy and its family remain safe for the rest of the summer.

Things You'll Need

• Tweezers
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paper towel
• Puppy treats
• Plastic bag
• Outdoor garbage can

Instructions

1. Dip a pair of tweezers in rubbing alcohol. This will sterilize the tweezers to help avoid any infection. Wash your hands as well with warm water and soap.

2. Soak a piece of paper towel with rubbing alcohol and clean the area around the tick.

3. Place the tweezers around the tick's body as close to the puppy's skin as possible, without scratching the puppy's skin. Slowly pull the tick out of the puppy's skin. Do not pull too quickly, as this could cause the tick to break in half. Offer the puppy a treat if it is nervous or will not cooperate.

4. Move the tick's body gently from side to side with the tweezers if the tick does not come out easily when removing it from the puppy's skin. This will help dislodge the tick's jaw from the puppy's skin.

5. Place the removed tick in a plastic bag. Tie the bag shut and dispose of it in the outdoor garbage can. If the head of the tick remains on the puppy's skin, do not attempt to cut it out or dig into the puppy's skin with the tweezers to remove it. According to PetPlace.com, the puppy's immune system will create an abscess that will push the head from its body.

References

• Pet Health: How to Remove Dog Ticks
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Tickborne Rickettsial Diseases
• Pet Place: How to Remove and Prevent Ticks in Dogs