How to remove ticks from a dog yourself? - briefly
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady, even pressure, then clean the area with antiseptic and watch for signs of infection.
How to remove ticks from a dog yourself? - in detail
Removing ticks from a dog requires a clean tool, steady hands, and attention to the bite site. First, gather a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick removal device, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, and a small container with a lid for disposal.
- Restrain the animal gently but securely; a second person can help hold the dog while you work.
- Locate the tick, noting its position and whether it is engorged.
Using tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or squeezing the body. If the mouthparts remain embedded, repeat the grip on the leftover fragment and extract it the same way.
After removal, clean the bite area with antiseptic and monitor for redness or swelling. Place the tick in the container, add a few drops of alcohol, and seal it for later identification or safe destruction.
Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or sealing it in a plastic bag before discarding it in the trash.
Finally, wash your hands thoroughly, even if gloves were used. Repeat the inspection daily for at least a week, as new ticks may attach during the same outing. Regular grooming and the use of veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives can reduce the need for manual removal.