How to Safely Remove a Tick

Spring has officially sprung, and while that means sunshine, gallivanting in nature, and all the grilled meats you can handle, it can also mean lots and lots of ticks fur dogs and their humans. Of course, pet parents know how important preventatives are, but even the best of the best can’t guarantee your dog will stay tick-free this sesason.

If your dog likes spending time in areas ticks love to be (the cabin, the woods, tall grasses, you know… nature), then a tick check should be part of your daily routine. Run your fingers over every part of your dog’s body, not just her torso: armpits, between toes, inside ears, etc. If you feel a bump, check further to see if a tick has attached.

If you find a tick…

1. Don’t panic. You’ve got this.
2. Put gloves on before attempting to remove the tick. Ticks can transmit diseases to humans too, so you’ll wanna protect your skin.
3. If you’re using a tick remover, gently press the remover against your dog’s skin and slide the notch of the remover under the tick. Continue sliding the remover until the tick is caught in the smallest end of the remover and pulled free. Yessss!
4. If you’re using a tweezers, carefully grab the tick’s body as close to your dog’s skin as possible, but be careful not to catch the skin itself. Pull the tick off in a straight, steady motion and make sure you don’t leave any part of the tick behind: anything left could result in an infection. (Ruff.)
5. Drop the tick into a container filled with isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol will kill the tick, but this allows you to keep the tick as evidence. If your pup shows signs of illness, you can bring the tick to the vet to be tested.
6. Clean your dog’s skin and any tools you used with antiseptic.
7. Wash your hands. Praise and treat your dog. Have a glass of wine. That was stressful.

(Photos by Sarah Beth Photography)

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Hit the Trail: 6 Essential Supplies for Hiking With Dogs

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