How to Safely Remove a Tick From a Dog
Or a Cat … or Yourself!
If you find a tick attached to your dog’s or cat’s skin, or your own, there’s no need to panic. Let me show you how to safely remove a tick from a dog, cat, or YOU!
There are several tick removal devices on the market, but a plain set of fine-tipped tweezers will be just as effective in removing the tick.
How to Safely Remove a Tick From a Dog, Cat, or YOU
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
- After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
RELATED:
Natural Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs and Cats That Really Works
*** AVOID folklore remedies such as “painting” the tick with nail polish or petroleum jelly, or using heat to make the tick detach from the skin. Your goal is to remove the tick as quickly as possible–not waiting for it to detach.
Follow-up
If a rash or fever develops within several weeks of removing a tick, see your doctor or vet. Be sure to tell the doctor about your recent tick bite, when the bite occurred, and where you most likely acquired the tick.
SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control
MY QUESTION FOR YOU TODAY:
Have you had to deal with ticks and fleas this year?
*** Leave your comment below. ***
(It’s just sexy!)
PEACE
*
Her own animal experience is vast, having raised and rescued Alpine Goats, Chickens, Turkeys, Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs, Turtles, Raccoons, Cats, Dogs, and even an Opossum and Bearded Dragon.
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I will do my part and look all over your body for ticks Jeannie. I am here to help. Jon
Hi Jeanne,
This sure is a timely post! Those ticks our out in full glory and this is so helpful.
I know too many people with lyme disease here in the States. Those tiny deer ticks can reek havoc!
Now that it is Spring time here, I’m always outdoors. But since lyme disease came about, I am so careful to check my entire body after a walk in the forest.
-Donna
Good tips Jeanne, We see many soi dogs here in Thailand with engorged ticks. Nice to know how to get rid of these buggers.
RB