Removing Ticks From Your Best Friend

​Ticks are a nuisance to humans and their pets.  They can transmit life-threatening diseases like Lyme disease and more.  Prevention is vital to protecting your pet throughout the year.  So, talk to your vet about the best tick prevention treatment for your pet.

Removing Ticks From Your Best Friend
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

Ticks are pesky little blood suckers that transmit infectious diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.  They infect both humans and our furry friends.  There is a proper way to remove a tick from your dog to lower its chances of infection.  This article will provide information on how to remove a tick when to see a vet about a tick bite, and how to protect your pet year-round.
 
What Is The Best Way To Remove A Tick From Your Dog?
You will need several tools to remove a tick properly.
Gather the following:

• A pair of tweezers or a tick-removal tool
• A pet-safe antiseptic (such as chlorhexidine) for your dog’s tick bite wound
• Gloves to keep your hands from coming into contact with the tick
• Disinfectant for your gloves and tweezers

Then follow these steps:

1. Protect yourself - put on a pair of latex or rubber gloves.
2. Calm your dog - soothe your pet if they’re anxious.
3. Use tweezers or a tick remover - grab the tick as close to your dog’s skin, no matter which tool you use.  Pull straight up with a gentle but firm tugging motion.  Try not to squish the tick.  The fluids it carries could infect your pet.
4. Save or dispose of the tick - your vet may need to identify the tick if your dog gets sick.  To save the tick, place it in a container with rubbing alcohol.  You can also take a photo of the tick. To get rid of a tick, flush it down the toilet or freeze it in a plastic bag before throwing it in the trash.
5. Apply antiseptic - disinfect the bite area on your dog with a pet-safe antiseptic.
6. Clean up - disinfect (or throw away) your gloves and tweezers, and wash your hands.

 
Can A Tick Be Removed Instantly?
Proper tick removal only takes a few minutes once you have gathered your tools.  You may be tempted to use your fingers and get rid of it quicker, but that is not a good idea.  You can spread the infection to your fingers and may not remove the tick entirely.  Taking the time to do it right will be best for you and your pet.
 
What Are The Dangers Of Incorrectly Removing Ticks?
When you remove the tick, the goal is to get the whole tick, including the head.  If the head is left behind, it can be a source of infection.
 
Squeezing The Tick So It Bursts Can Spread Infectious Fluids.
Do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline), nail polish remover, or heat to draw out the tick.  You might have heard that these methods work.  But they will not remove the tick properly and may prolong its life on your pet.  The longer the tick is attached to your pet, the more time it has to infect it.
The actual danger of a tick bite is a tick-borne disease.  It can be debilitating and cause life-threatening illnesses.  Most of these diseases require the tick to be attached for more than 24 hours.  So removing ticks when you find them and keeping your dog on tick prevention can keep them from getting sick. 
 
When Should You See A Vet About Ticks On Your Dog?
Your dog may not show signs of sickness for 7 to 21 days after a tick bite. If the bite site looks irritated or infected, or if you notice any of the following symptoms, take them to the vet:

• Bruising on gums or stomach
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Inability to move one or more legs
• Loss of appetite
• Moves slowly
• Nervous system problems
• Nosebleeds
• Not wanting to be touched
• Swollen joints or lymph nodes

 
How To Check For Ticks On Dogs
Ticks live in the woods, forests, and backyards all across the country.  That is why it is essential to check your dog for ticks whenever they spend time outdoors.  Otherwise, you probably will not know that your dog has a tick.  Most dogs will not have any symptoms from a tick bite, and they will not scratch or chew in the area.
To look for ticks on your furry friend:

• Run your fingers over your dog’s neck, back, haunches, and belly.
• Look between their toes, in their ears, and on their face, including their eyelids.
• Do not forget to check their tail and under their collar.
• If you see a small bump, look closely to see if it is a tick.  You may need a magnifying glass, as some ticks are the size of a pinhead.

 
When And Where Are Dogs Most Likely To Get Ticks?
Ticks can be present all year long but are most active from March to November.  They live in wooded areas, tall grass, and piles of leaves.  They may also live in the shrubs around your house or garden.  It is a common misconception that ticks jump or drop from trees, but that is not the case.  Ticks can only crawl.  They grasp onto an animal as it walks past a blade of grass or leaf debris, then it moves around on the animal's body in search of an excellent place to feed.
 
What Are The Best Ways To Prevent Ticks From Biting Your Dog?
There are many tick-prevention medications available for dogs.  Most are topical liquids combined with flea prevention and applied to the skin.  Others are medicated collars.  If your dog’s skin irritates easily, your vet may recommend a chewable tablet.
The best tick prevention for your pet will depend on several factors, including:

• Age
• Breed
• Weight
• Medications they take
• Where you live
• Lifestyle

No matter what medication you use, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  Some preventive medicines are given once a month, and others every three months.  The medication’s label will include a weight range.  Ensure you get the one that’s right for your dog’s weight.