How can I remove a tick from a dog using a syringe? - briefly
Insert a sterile syringe needle into the tick’s body and apply gentle pressure to push it out through the mouthparts, then cleanse the area with antiseptic. Dispose of the tick safely and monitor the dog for any irritation.
How can I remove a tick from a dog using a syringe? - in detail
A syringe can extract a tick without crushing the body, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
Required items
- 5‑ml or larger sterile syringe with a fine‑gauge needle (22‑25 G)
- Disposable gloves
- Antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine)
- Clean cloth or gauze
- Tweezers (for backup)
Preparation
- Wear gloves to protect both handler and animal.
- Secure the dog in a calm position; an assistant may hold the animal gently but firmly.
- Clean the tick’s attachment site with antiseptic to minimize infection.
Extraction technique
- Attach the needle to the syringe, ensuring it is not bent.
- Insert the needle tip parallel to the skin, just beside the tick’s mouthparts, avoiding direct contact with the tick’s body.
- Pull back the plunger slowly to create gentle suction; the tick’s abdomen will fill the needle cavity.
- Continue suction until the tick detaches completely, then withdraw the needle while keeping the plunger depressed.
- Release the tick into a sealed container containing 70 % isopropyl alcohol for later identification if needed.
Aftercare
- Apply antiseptic to the bite area and allow it to dry.
- Observe the site for signs of redness, swelling, or discharge over the next 24‑48 hours.
- Monitor the dog for fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, which may indicate infection.
Precautions
- Do not squeeze or crush the tick; this can release pathogens.
- If suction fails, use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure.
- Discard the needle and gloves safely after the procedure.
Following these steps ensures a clean, efficient removal while minimizing health risks for the dog.