How to pull a tick out from under a dog's skin?

How to pull a tick out from under a dog's skin? - briefly

Grasp the tick as close to the dog’s skin as possible with fine‑tipped tweezers and pull straight upward with steady, even pressure until the mouthparts release. Clean the bite area with antiseptic and watch for signs of irritation or infection.

How to pull a tick out from under a dog's skin? - in detail

Removing a tick that has embedded itself beneath a dog’s skin requires precision and proper hygiene. Follow each step methodically to minimize tissue damage and reduce the risk of infection.

1. Gather supplies

   • Fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool with a narrow tip
   • Disposable gloves
   • Antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine)
   • Sterile gauze or cotton swabs
   • Small container with a lid for the tick (optional, for identification)

2. Prepare the area

   • Put on gloves to protect yourself and the animal.
   • Inspect the skin around the tick; note any swelling, redness, or signs of irritation.
   • If hair obscures the site, trim a small patch with scissors, taking care not to cut the skin.

3. Expose the tick

   • Gently part the fur and skin to visualize the tick’s head and mouthparts.
   • Avoid squeezing the body, which can force pathogens into the bloodstream.

4. Extract the tick

   • Position the tweezers as close to the skin as possible, gripping the tick’s head or the base of its mouthparts.
   • Apply steady, upward pressure; do not twist or jerk, which may break the mouthparts.
   • If resistance is encountered, maintain gentle traction until the tick releases.

5. Secure the removed tick

   • Place the tick in the container with a small amount of alcohol if identification or testing is required.
   • Dispose of the tick safely if no further analysis is needed.

6. Treat the bite site

   • Clean the area with antiseptic, then pat dry with sterile gauze.
   • Apply a thin layer of topical antibiotic ointment if the skin is broken.

7. Monitor the dog

   • Observe the site for a few days; look for increasing redness, swelling, or discharge.
   • Watch for systemic signs such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain, which may indicate disease transmission.

8. Seek veterinary care when

   • The tick’s mouthparts remain embedded after removal.
   • The bite area becomes inflamed or infected.
   • The dog shows any of the systemic symptoms listed above.

9. Prevent future infestations

   • Use a veterinarian‑approved tick preventative (topical, oral, or collar).
   • Perform regular full‑body checks after walks in tick‑prone environments.

By adhering to these procedures, the tick can be removed efficiently, reducing trauma and the likelihood of pathogen transmission.