How to properly remove a tick from a dog? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick near the skin and pull upward with steady, even pressure until it releases completely. Disinfect the bite site, clean the tools, and watch the area for any signs of infection.
How to properly remove a tick from a dog? - in detail
Removing a tick from a canine patient requires sterile technique, proper tools, and attention to the attachment site to prevent disease transmission.
First, gather a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal hook, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, and a clean container with a lid for the specimen. Disinfect the gloves and the area around the tick with alcohol or chlorhexidine.
Next, follow these steps:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the mouthparts, not the body, to avoid crushing the engorged abdomen.
- Apply steady, upward pressure; pull straight out without twisting or jerking. A smooth motion reduces the chance of leaving mouthparts embedded.
- Inspect the extraction site. If any parts remain, use the tweezers to remove them gently. Avoid digging with a needle, which can cause tissue damage.
- Clean the wound with antiseptic and monitor for redness or swelling over the next 24‑48 hours.
- Place the removed tick in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball and label with date and location. Preserve it for veterinary analysis if disease testing is required.
After removal, wash your hands thoroughly. Record the incident in the dog’s health log, noting the tick’s size, stage (larva, nymph, adult), and location on the body. Regular grooming and environmental control—such as keeping grass trimmed and using veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives—reduce future infestations.