How can an engorged tick be removed from a dog? - briefly
Grasp the swollen tick with fine‑point tweezers as close to the dog’s skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure; after removal, disinfect the bite area and watch for signs of infection.
How can an engorged tick be removed from a dog? - in detail
Removing a swollen tick from a dog requires precision to avoid breaking the parasite and to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
First, gather the necessary tools: fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal hook, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, and a small container with lid for disposal. Clean the dog’s coat around the attachment site with a mild cleanser to improve visibility.
Next, follow these steps:
- Position the dog comfortably, preferably on a stable surface where it cannot move abruptly.
- Put on gloves to protect both the handler and the animal from potential pathogens.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, using the tweezers’ tips or the hook’s notch. The goal is to hold the mouthparts, not the body.
- Apply steady, upward pressure in line with the tick’s entry angle. Avoid twisting, jerking, or squeezing the body, which can cause the head to detach and remain embedded.
- Once the tick is released, inspect the bite area for any retained fragments. If any mouthparts remain, repeat the removal process with a fresh grip.
- Disinfect the wound with an antiseptic solution and monitor for signs of inflammation over the next 24‑48 hours.
- Place the extracted tick in the container, add a small amount of alcohol, and seal. Record the date of removal; the specimen can be sent to a veterinary laboratory if disease testing is required.
- Dispose of the container according to local regulations or incinerate it to prevent accidental re‑infestation.
After removal, observe the dog for lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or joint swelling, which may indicate tick‑borne illness. Contact a veterinarian promptly if any abnormal symptoms develop. Regular grooming and the use of approved tick preventatives reduce the likelihood of future infestations.