How to remove tick from dog

When your beloved pup faces a tick bite, you'll probably want to jump on the problem ASAP. Maybe you're out for a hike and left the tweezers at home or maybe you're afraid of squeezing (and accidentally bursting!) the tick while using the sharp metal tool. Either way, you're in luck. There are tons of great ways to remove ticks sans tweezers, and we're going to walk you through every method. Plus, we'll cover methods you should avoid, too. To discover all of the best tick-removal methods that don't use tweezers, read on!

1. To safely remove the tick, you'll have to access it first. For your own safety, first locate and put on a pair of latex gloves. Ticks can carry dangerous diseases, so you want to keep a safe distance. Next, part your dog's hair away from the tick. If you find this difficult, use water or rubbing alcohol to wet the surrounding area first.[1] X Research source Go to source

1. Wrapping dental floss around the parasite helps you extract the tick. First, unspool a length of dental floss. 6 inches will be more than enough. Next, loop the dental floss around the tick’s mouthparts, wrapping as close to the skin as possible. Tie a knot on the other side of the tick to form a small circle around the parasite's belly. Finally, tug upwards on the string to pull the tick from your dog’s skin.[2] X Research source Go to source

   • If you’re having trouble looping close enough to the skin, grab a straw. Loop and tie your floss around the straw.
   • With the string still situated around the straw, place the straw over the belly of the tick, with the end as close to the head as possible.
   • Next, slide the floss off of the straw. With a little luck, this will help you easily place your loop close to the tick's mouth.

1. By cutting a "v" into your card, you can nudge the tick from your dog's skin. Cut a "v" that's no larger than the tick's head. Then, lining up your "v" with the tick's head, slide the card under the tick's belly, on your dog's skin. Now, try to gently edge the tick's head from your dog's skin with the card.[3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

   • Your goal is to remove the tick entirely, especially the head. These parasites attach to your dog via tiny hooks in the skin.
   • In other words, attempting to forcefully rip the tick from your dog's skin risks leaving the head attached.

1. Using a hot needle, make the tick uncomfortable enough to let go of your dog's skin. First, locate your needle and a box of matches. Next, heat the needle by holding it inside a flame. Now that the needle is hot, hold it directly on top of the tick—if possible, on the parasite's head. Now, you wait. If all goes well, the heat will encourage the tick to dislodge its head.

   • Note that this approach involves risk. If the tick dies while still attached to your dog's skin, removing the head could become even more challenging.
   • Heat can also cause the tick to produce more saliva. This saliva can carry diseases able to infect your pet with illnesses.
   • If you're in a pinch, you may decide this method is still worth trying. But if you have other options available, try something with less risk first.

1. Place an oiled cotton ball over a tick to encourage it to detach. Though this home remedy isn't considered surefire solution, many pet owners swear by them. After applying oil to a cotton ball, hold it over the tick. Wait ~10 minutes to see if the tick detaches itself from your dog's skin.[4] X Research source Go to source

1. Hold a soapy cotton ball on top of the tick to make it uncomfortable. Soak your cotton ball in either hand soap or dish soap. Then, follow up by holding the cotton ball over the tick for around 10 minutes or until it lets go. You should already have these items at home, which makes this option super convenient. Though, keep in mind that results for this method are varied.[5] X Research source Go to source

   • This method doesn't show consistent successful results. If the tick hangs on, incorporate another removal technique.

1. This helps to kill any remaining parasites on your dog's skin. These shampoos can cause adverse or allergic reactions in some pups, so first, get recommendations from your vet. Next, follow the package's instructions. Usually, this will mean wetting your dog's fur, thoroughly scrubbing the shampoo into the fur, and letting it sit for a specified amount of time.[6] X Research source Go to source

1. Buy a kit with tools specially made to remove ticks efficiently. Most products come with two tools: one made for bigger ticks and one made for nymphs. Typically, tick-removal kits make for easier and more effective tick removal. These usually put less pressure on the tick's body, reducing the risk of accidentally forcing the parasite to regurgitate harmful diseases. Purchase these at pet stores or online.[8] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source

1. Removing a tick the wrong way increases the risk of illness. You may end up causing the tick to embed itself into the skin without actually killing it. Bursting the tick, causing it to produce more saliva, or causing it to regurgitate its stomach's contents could all release dangerous diseases capable of infecting your dog. Stay away from these methods:

   • Smothering with alcohol, Vasoline, or nail polish[9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
   • Burning with cigarettes or matches[10] X Research source Go to source
   • Pulling the tick off with your fingers[11] X Research source Go to source

1. Watch for a rash or irritated skin around the affected area. Once you remove the tick, your dog's risk of disease drops significantly. Even if you accidentally leave the head embedded, your dog will naturally push the parasite out in a matter of days. Your only concern is disease transmission, and you're likely to see signs of that in the form of a rash or irritated skin. Check your dog daily. If you notice abnormal skin around the tick bite, call your vet right away.[12] X Research source Go to source

This article was co-authored by Belgin Altundag and by wikiHow staff writer, Caroline Heiderscheit. Belgin Altundag is a Certified Dog Trainer and the Owner of Happy Doggies Day Care/Day Camp in West Hollywood, California. A passionate animal lover, Belgin is knowledgeable about multiple training styles, including obedience training, problem-solving, activity training, and behavior modification. In addition to being an Animal Behavior College’s Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), Belgin has also completed the Training Cesar's Way Fundamentals of Dog Behavior and Training Programs 1 and 2 and is certified by the American Red Cross in Cat and Dog First-Aid. This article has been viewed 12,600 times.

Co-authors: 6

Updated: July 11, 2022

Views: 12,600

Article Rating: 100% - 2 votes

Categories: Canine Health

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