How to remove ticks from horses? - briefly
Grasp the tick with fine‑pointed tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even force; disinfect the bite area afterward. Place the removed tick in alcohol for disposal and observe the horse for irritation or infection.
How to remove ticks from horses? - in detail
Ticks attach to the skin of equines and can transmit diseases; prompt removal reduces infection risk. The procedure consists of preparation, extraction, and post‑removal care.
Preparation
- Use a pair of fine‑pointed, blunt‑tipped forceps or a specialized tick‑removal tool.
- Disinfect the tool with an alcohol swab before each use.
- Restrain the animal securely to prevent sudden movements; a halter and a calm environment are sufficient.
- Examine the entire body, focusing on mane, tail, ears, and ventral folds, where ticks commonly hide.
Extraction steps
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the abdomen.
- Apply steady, upward pressure; pull straight out without twisting or jerking.
- If resistance occurs, maintain constant tension while gently easing the mouthparts from the skin.
- Release the tick into a sealed container for identification or disposal; do not crush the body.
Post‑removal care
- Clean the bite site with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine.
- Monitor the area for swelling, redness, or discharge over the next 48 hours.
- Record the date, location on the body, and species (if identified) for veterinary reference.
- Apply a topical repellent or pour‑on product containing permethrin to deter future infestations; reapply according to manufacturer instructions.
Preventive measures
- Conduct weekly whole‑body inspections during peak tick season.
- Maintain pasture hygiene by mowing tall grass and removing brush.
- Rotate grazing areas to limit exposure to tick‑infested zones.
- Use acaricide‑treated blankets or sprays on high‑risk animals.
If signs of tick‑borne illness appear—fever, lethargy, anemia—consult a veterinarian immediately and provide details of recent tick encounters.