How to Remove a Tick

Preparation

• Tweezers or a tick removal tool

• Rubbing alcohol

• A ziploc bag

• Rubber gloves

• Disinfectant or an antibiotic cream, you can get this from your vet.

Removal

• Put on a pair of rubber gloves.

• If using tweezers, grab the tick as closely to your dog's skin as possible.

• If using the tick removal tool, gently press the remover against your dog's skin near the tick. Slide the notch of the remover underneath the tick.

• Slowly but steadily, pull the tick out of your dog's skin, making sure that you do not lose its head throughout this.

• Do not twist or crunch the tick as you may lose its head inside your dog's skin.

After Care

• Drop the tick into a ziploc bag with rubbing alcohol in it, leave it in the alcohol for 24 hours to kill it.

• Wash your hands.

• Note the location and date you found the tick.

• Apply disinfectant or antibiotic cream to the tick bite.

• Clean your tweezers or tick removal tool with rubbing alcohol.

Submission of tick

• Consider submitting the tick for identification through eTick.

Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses

• Joint pain

• Lethargy

• Weight loss

• Decreased appetite or thirst

• Inflammation on or around the bite

• Neurological issues

If your dog starts to show symptoms of a tick-borne illness or if you lose a piece of the tick inside your dog’s skin, contact your vet immediately.