What should be done with a tick after removing it from a dog? - briefly
Store the removed tick in a sealed bag and destroy it by freezing or flushing it down the toilet. Clean the bite site on the dog with an antiseptic solution.
What should be done with a tick after removing it from a dog? - in detail
After the parasite is removed, the first step is to eliminate the organism safely. Place the tick in a sealed container filled with 70 % isopropyl alcohol, or immerse it in a disposable cup of bleach solution for several minutes. Once the liquid is absorbed, discard the container in a trash bag that is sealed tightly. Burning the tick in a metal container is an alternative when local regulations permit.
If the animal shows signs that could indicate disease transmission, preserve the specimen for laboratory analysis. Transfer the tick to a sterile, airtight tube, label with the date of removal, the dog's identification, and the anatomical site of attachment. Forward the sample to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory within 24 hours.
The bite site requires immediate care. Rinse the area with clean water, then apply an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine. Pat dry with a sterile gauze pad. Do not apply topical antibiotics unless directed by a veterinarian.
Observe the wound and the dog for at least four weeks. Record any of the following developments:
- Redness or swelling that expands beyond the original site
- Heat, pain, or discharge from the wound
- Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in behavior
- Joint pain, lameness, or neurological signs
If any of these symptoms appear, contact a veterinarian promptly. The professional may recommend prophylactic antibiotics, serological testing for tick‑borne pathogens, or further treatment based on regional disease prevalence.
Maintain regular tick prevention measures to reduce future infestations. Use veterinarian‑approved topical, oral, or collar products, and conduct routine examinations of the dog's coat after outdoor activity.