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Removing a tick from your dog, or worse — ticks — may not be pleasant, but it’s important to do it promptly and correctly. Once you know how to remove a tick, it will be a fairly easy process.
Because they can carry infectious organisms, every year ticks infect thousands of animals and people with illnesses like Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis, among others. Pathogen transmission can occur as quickly as three to six hours after a bite occurs, so the sooner you remove the tick the less chance there is that your dog will get sick.
A tick has a one-piece body. The harpoon-like barbs of its mouth attach to a host for feeding. Crablike legs and a sticky secretion help hold the tick to the host. Ticks range in size from almost impossible to see with the naked eye, to ones the size of a human fingertip. The United States has about 200 tick species. They can survive—and thrive—in woods, beach grass, lawns, forests, and even urban areas. Ticks also aren’t picky eaters: they feed on mammals, birds, and even other insects.
Step 1: Scan for ticks
Start by running your fingers slowly over your dogs entire body. If you feel a bump or swollen area, check to see if a tick has burrowed there. Dont limit your search to your dogs torso. Check between their toes, around their legs, the insides of their ears and all around their face, chin and neck.