How can I remove a tick from a dog's ear? - briefly
Grasp the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers as close to the ear skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the area and wash hands. Dispose of the parasite by submerging it in alcohol or sealing it in a container.
How can I remove a tick from a dog's ear? - in detail
Removing a tick lodged in a dog’s ear requires calm handling, proper tools, and thorough after‑care.
Gather the following items before beginning: fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, cotton balls, a clean towel, and a container with a lid for the specimen if testing is needed.
- Place the dog on a stable surface, wrap the head gently with a towel to limit movement.
- Don gloves, then locate the tick, usually near the base of the ear canal or on the outer ear flap.
- Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible, using tweezers to avoid crushing the body.
- Apply steady, upward pressure, pulling straight out without twisting.
- Inspect the removal site; if any mouthparts remain, repeat the grip and pull until the entire tick is extracted.
- Transfer the tick to the container for identification, if required.
After removal, clean the bite area with antiseptic, then wipe with a cotton ball. Monitor the site for redness, swelling, or infection over the next 48 hours. If symptoms develop, consult a veterinarian promptly.
To reduce future infestations, maintain regular ear inspections, keep the ear hair trimmed, and apply veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives according to the recommended schedule.