How to remove a tick from a dog if it is under the skin? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick near the skin surface and pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid squeezing the body to prevent saliva release. If mouthparts stay embedded, apply a topical antiseptic, keep the area clean, and watch for signs of infection.
How to remove a tick from a dog if it is under the skin? - in detail
Removing a tick that has penetrated beneath the canine’s skin requires precision to avoid breaking the mouthparts and to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission.
A clean work area and the following instruments are essential: fine‑point tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal tool, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine), and a sealed container for the discarded tick.
- Put on gloves, then grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, holding the head or mouthparts without squeezing the body.
- Apply steady, even pressure to pull the parasite straight upward.
- Continue pulling until the entire tick separates from the host; avoid twisting or jerking motions.
- Inspect the extraction site; if any mouthparts remain, use the tweezers to remove them carefully.
- Place the tick in the sealed container, label with date and location for potential testing.
After removal, cleanse the bite area with antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection: redness, swelling, or discharge. Observe the dog for several weeks for symptoms such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain, which may indicate tick‑borne disease. If any abnormal signs appear, consult a veterinarian promptly.
If the tick is deeply embedded, the mouthparts are difficult to extract, or the dog shows distress during the procedure, seek professional veterinary assistance rather than attempting further manipulation.