How To Remove A Tick From A Dog

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

They’re more than an irritant – these little bloodsuckers can mean big trouble for you and your pooch. Here’s how to remove a tick from a dog.

Ticks are tiny external parasites that feed on the blood of dogs and other animals – they can even latch on to a human. There are several different species of ticks which can affect dogs and all of them have the potential to transmit deadly diseases to your pet. You should take the time to learn how to protect your dog from ticks, as well as educate yourself on how to remove a tick from a dog.

Related:Flea And Tick Control: Fact Or Myth?

How do Ticks Affect Dogs?

Technically ticks are not a type of insect – they are a type of arachnid and there are a number of species which commonly affect dogs. The most common species of ticks known to affect dogs are the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) and the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Ticks tend to live in brushy areas of undergrowth, particularly tall grass, and they can easily climb onto your dog’s legs as he plays outside. These tiny creatures can be found anywhere on the dog’s body but they tend to prefer the area around the head, neck, and ears.

Related:Top 10 Flea and Tick Prevention Tips

Though they may be small, ticks are visible so it is a good idea for you to check your dog after spending any time outside, particularly during the summer and fall months. Even once your dog has been bitten by a tick it can take a few hours for the tick to transmit disease, so if you find and remove the tick quickly your dog will probably be okay. To ensure that your dog is protected from tick-transmitted diseases, however, you should administer a monthly topical flea and tick preventive. These products not only help to protect your dog from diseases transmitted by ticks but they kill the adult and developing forms of the parasite.

Steps on How to Remove a Tick from a Dog

In addition to transmitting diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ticks can also cause blood loss and anemia, especially in young dogs. If you find a tick on your dog’s body, you need to remove it immediately by following the steps below:

After removing a tick from your dog’s skin – especially if the mouthparts are left behind – you should monitor your dog for several days. Check the site of the bite several times a day for inflammation and irritation. If the area swells and doesn’t appear to be improving, you may want to take your dog to the vet for a check-up.

A Few Extra Tips to Keep in Mind When Checking for Ticks and Removing Them

Here are a few other things to consider in order to keep your pet safe, and to effectively and safely remove a tick if you have found that one has bitten your dog:

    Feel free to contribute your own ways of how to remove a tick from a dog in the comment section below – we’d love to hear your ideas!

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    You May Like

    Drop Dead Gorgeous: Cat Grooming Basics You Need To Know

    Such a pretty kitty! Here’s how to keep your cat looking her best. Although cats are fastidious groomers on their own and you rarely, if ever, have to…
    Northern Map Turtle

    The Northern Map Turtle is also referred to as the Sawback Turtle. They are one of the most difficult turtle species to keep in captivity.
    Product Review: Solvit Waterproof Sta-Put SUV Cargo Liner & Bench

    Snow, slush and rain happen – is the interior of your vehicle protected from the mess of your damp doggy? Kevin Roberts is sick of his four-wheel disas…
    Chesa-Poo

    The Chesa-Poo brings together the playful personality of the Poodle and the gentle nature of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
    5 Purrfect Jobs for Cat Lovers

    You never work a day in your life when you have a job you love. If you love cats, think about changing to a new kitty career like the ones we''ve featured.
    Three-In-One Stride Dispenser Makes Every Step Of Your Dog Walk Count

    stride makes dog poop disposal stylish, sanitary and strong At this year’s SuperZoo, we were introduced to hundreds of cool products for dogs. One that…
    Cimarron Uruguayo

    With a name like Cimarron Uruguayo, you shouldn''t be surprised to learn that these dogs hail from Uruguay. These dogs are large and muscular with a short brindle coat.
    Kentucky One Step Closer To Outlawing Dog Fighting

    Kentucky is the last state in the U.S. to end dog fighting – but a new bill is hoping to change all that. We’re pleased to report that the state…
    Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Shanghai

    You’ve got to love Shanghai, an adorable mop of fur who happens to be our Adoptable Dog of the Week. Shanghai is a 1.5-year-old male Shih Tzu and Bruss…
    Hulstlander Rabbit

    The Hulstlander Rabbit features a medium length coat that''s lustrous and dense. This rabbit''s fur will be white, and his eyes will be blue.
    Frozen Mixed Summer Berry Dog Treat Recipe

    The summer is too short to be spent in the kitchen. That’s why you’ll love this Frozen Mixed Summer Berry Dog Treat Recipe. It took me five minutes to make.…
    Dog Laws – Gracie’s Law Says Dogs More Than Property

    When it comes to dog laws, not everyone in your house is treated equal. Your dog is a member of your family, not a piece of property.
    Chizer

    With the affectionate and loyal traits of the Miniature Schnauzer, and the goofy, temperamental aspects of the Chihuahua, a truly unique cross-breed emerged – Chizer.
    Connemara Pony

    Ireland''s only native equine breed, it is believed that the Connemara Pony has a rich history that dates all the way back to the ancient Celts.
    Doxie Cairn

    If you like little dogs with a lot of spunk, you''ll love the Doxie Cairn! This designer dog was developed by crossing a Dachshund with the Cairn Terrier.