Removing Ticks

Ticks are always looking for a free ride, especially during warm-weather months. This common parasite, which is actually a type of bloodsucking mite, prefers wooded, grassy, and damp areas but can be found just about anywhere. Always check dogs carefully after they have been outdoors, especially if they've romped through grassy fields, meadows, or woods.

If you find a tick on your dog, comb him with a flea comb or other fine-toothed comb to remove any others that may still be loose. It is helpful to spray dogs with a tick insecticide prior to combing. Remove any embedded, feeding ticks as soon as possible to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

To remove embedded ticks, use tweezers to grab the tick as close to the head as possible, and gently pull it out, head and all. An alcohol swab rubbed around the tick may help loosen it's grip. After removal, dab the affected area of the dog's skin with an antibiotic ointment or topical anasthetic. Place the tick in a jar of rubbing alcohol or insecticide to kill it. Don't throw a live tick in the toilet or trash because it might crawl back out. Never try to remove a tick with a match, cigarette lighter, or other lit object. This method does not work and could burn your dog.

Commercial tick removal kits are also available at pet supply stores. They offer tweezers, magnifying glasses, antiseptic, information about Lyme disease, and bags for storage of the tick following removal.