While dogs love to be outside, some dangers come along with being outdoors too.
One of those dangers is tiny in size. But, it can cause your dog serious health problems or even take your dog's life.
And that little nuisance is a tick.
Ticks hide in wooded areas and long grass. So, while your dog may have fun running around in such areas, you may be best off staying out of them entirely from March to November.
Unfortunately, once ticks latch on to your dog, they can be surprisingly difficult to remove. Further, if you don't remove a tick properly, it can still transmit Lyme disease, which can cause severe joint pain and swelling.
So that's why it's important to remove a tick from your dog as soon as you spot one.
And here's how to do that the right way:
1. Have the Right Supplies Available
Ideally, you will have a specialized tick-removal tool designed to remove ticks in one piece. Just search "tick removal tool" or "tick hook" on Google or Amazon to find one. You might also find a tick hook at your vet or local grocery store.
You can also get away with a tweezers that has a pointed end. However, this runs the risk of ripping the tick into multiple pieces. And that makes removing the tick from your dog much harder.
You should also have a set of rubber gloves. Ticks carry diseases that can infect you and your family members.
You should also have an antiseptic (rubbing alcohol is fine) and disinfectant on hand.
2. The Right Time to Remove A Tick
The only time you should ever try to remove a tick from your dog is when they are calm and lying down.
If you try to quickly remove the tick, you run the risk of tearing it into multiple pieces. That could leave the tick's head stuck in your dog. And that skyrockets the chances of infection.
You may need to make use of a bone or treat to help keep your dog stay still.
3. Make Tick Removal Easy
With your dog lying calm and still, you're now ready to expose the tick. First, put on your rubber gloves and use water or rubbing alcohol to flatten your dog's hair around the tick.
Gently part your dog's fur around the tick. Keep that fur flat with one hand. Your other hand should remain free so that it can remove the tick with the tool you bought.
4. Remove the Tick
A tick hook works well because it is designed to get under the tick's body and pull it out in one motion. Before you use the tool, however, make sure that you dip it in rubbing alcohol to sterilize it. If the tick is in a sensitive area, such as the eyes or nose, use a pet-safe cleanser or warm and soapy water.
When you actually use the tool, do so without squeezing because that could push the tick's saliva back into the bite wound. You also want to grab the tick as closely to your dog's skin as possible. This prevents you from ripping the tick into multiple parts.
Then, slowly and gently pull straight up. Don't twist because that could cause the head to come apart from the rest of the tick's body.
Your tick removal tool will come with instructions also. Follow those if available, as they may be somewhat different from the procedure described here.
Generally, you should avoid using tweezers. Usually, you end up crushing the tick or leaving its head embedded in your dog; neither are good scenarios.
However you choose to remove the tick from your dog, make sure you inspect the area to ensure that you've completely removed the tick.
5. Clean the Affected Area
Now's the time to use the antiseptic you have available. If you forgot to get one, you can just use soap and water.
6. Continue Checking for Ticks
So, you found and removed one tick. That's great! But, more could be present.
Check your dog's coat further for more ticks. Make sure you also look at their feet, foot pads, and ears because ticks like to hide in these areas also.
If you find more ticks, simply follow the same procedure for removal.
7. How to Dispose of the Tick
Before you dispose of the tick, you want to take a picture of it.
Why?
This way, you can show its picture to your vet should your dog show any signs or symptoms of tick-related diseases.
To dispose of the tick, you can place it in a lidded jar or sealable container with alcohol. You can also tape it to a piece of paper. Doing so will dry out and kill the tick.
Also throw away your rubber gloves and give your hands a good washing after you have removed all ticks. Then clean and disinfect your tick tool and store it away safely for future use.
8. Monitor Your Dog
Watch your dog for changes in behavior in the weeks and months ahead.
If you notice a lack of energy, difficulty using one or more legs, or rapid breathing, take your dog to the vet immediately and let them know you suspect these problems may come from a tick.
These can be signs of Lyme disease.
What if the Tick's Head Is Stuck in Your Dog's Skin?
Even when you're doing your best, you may end up breaking off and removing only part of the tick.
The head or mouthparts may remain in your dog.
If that happens, don't panic. You can still try to pull the remaining parts out of your dog's skin. If you do attempt removal yourself, do not poke at the remaining tick parts. Doing so could lead to you pushing the parts further in, which could cause infection.
If none of that works, you can always make an appointment with your vet.
How to Prevent Ticks from Attaching in the First Place
Fortunately, you can prevent ticks from ever attaching to your dog in the first place. Remember that, by taking a preventative approach, you can eliminate your dog's chances of getting Lyme disease or even losing their life!
To do so, simply use a monthly spot-on treatment or flea and tick collar.
...And that's all there really is to it!
Wrapping it up...tick removal is a simple and extremely important procedure.
If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can always have your vet do it for you.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you take action fast because you don't want your dog to get a serious, or even life-threatening, disease!
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