Not to mention the health risks they carry. After all, ticks aren’t just a nuisance, they’re a serious threat capable of spreading diseases like Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis.

But how to remove ticks on dogs?
This is one question I often get from pet parents and I am sure you’re curious about it too.

As someone who’s spent years grooming pets helping pet owners tackle tick troubles, let me tell you it’s easier than it seems.

Read on, as I detail a step-by-step process to safely remove ticks to prevent future infestations.

What is a tick on a dog and why is it dangerous?

For starters, ticks are tiny parasites that can seriously impact your dog’s health. These little critters lurk in tall grass, leaf litter, wooded trails, and even in well-kept suburban yards.

Interestingly, they don’t fly or jump but instead climb onto blades of grass or bushes and wait for a host (your dog in this case) to brush by.

And once they latch on, they feed by embedding their mouthparts into your dog’s skin and sucking blood.

What’s worse?

This can sometimes go on for days or even weeks if not found and removed.

Talking about the danger of ticks, they can transmit a variety of harmful pathogens into your dog’s bloodstream. And some of these pathogens like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever can lead to lifelong health complications

Moreover, there have even been instances of canine deaths when these were left untreated.

What makes it even more scary is that tick on dog symptoms don’t show up for days or even weeks. Also, ticks don’t discriminate and any dog, no matter the breed or age, is at risk if they spend time outdoors.

How to spot a tick on a dog?

Before you can remove and treat a tick bite on dog, you’ll first have to spot and identify it. And this isn’t as simple as just looking since ticks can sneak into little corners.

In my experience, it’s often your hands that will find a tick before your eyes do. So, I suggest you start by slowly running your hands over your dog’s body, feeling for any small bumps or lumps.

You see, even though ticks are as tiny as a sesame seed when they’ve latched on, they can swell to the size of a raisin after feeding.

Also, ticks usually prefer warm and hidden spots. And this calls for close attention to common hiding places like the head and ears where ticks burrow themselves, especially during a DIY dog ear wash.

The same thing goes for areas under the collar and around the neck that often go unnoticed during routine grooming.

And not to forget areas between the toes that are dark, moist, and hard to see unless you spread the toes gently. I’ve found so many ticks nestled in this webbing.

The tail base and groin area are also popular tick hangouts. But with regular washing and mobile dog grooming benefits this isn’t as big a concern.

Pro tip: Always do a daily tick check, especially during spring and summer or after a walk through tall grass or wooded trails.

How to remove ticks on dogs?

Now that you know what’s a tick bite on dog and how you can detect one in the course of regular grooming and care, let me address your biggest question.

Let me begin by saying that you need not be a pet grooming specialist to remove ticks from your pup. In fact, with the correct tools, right steps, and a little patience, pretty much everyone can remove ticks.

And it all starts with getting the required tools handy, which includes:

• Fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool (like a tick twister or tick key)

• Gloves (optional but recommended)

• Antiseptic (like chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine)

• A small container or ziplock bag

• Isopropyl alcohol

• Treats for your pup (as a reward after you’ve removed the ticks)

Now, once you’ve got everything in one place, you can start following the steps for tick on dog removal, which includes:

Step 1: Calm yourself and your pup

Simple as it might seem, calming yourself and your dog before tick removal is super important.

Why?

Well, dogs are intuitive and they read your body language and energy. That means if you panic, they will too, making the whole experience harder for both of you.

So, take a deep breath before you start, speak to your dog in a calm and reassuring tone, and let them know everything’s okay.

For instance, I usually say something like, “Alright, buddy, let’s check you out,” in a gentle voice. And I stay as composed as possible since it sets the tone for a smoother process, more so if the tick is in a sensitive spot.

Step 2: Secure your dog

Next up, you’ll need to secure your dog properly for a successful and stress-free tick removal.

You see, even the calmest dog might flinch or move suddenly if they feel discomfort. And this is especially true if the tick is in a sensitive area like their ears or toes.

So, I suggest you get someone to help you and ask them to gently hold your dog or offer treats and affection while you work.

For smaller dogs, you can place them on a non-slip surface like a bath mat or yoga mat as it gives them stability. Even better, you can place them inside a dog wash station to maintain control.

Similarly, you can kneel beside your dog or have them lie down if they are too large.

Bonus

Some dogs do better with distractions. For instance, I’ve had success using lick mats smeared with peanut butter or plain yogurt to keep their focus elsewhere.

At the same time, if a dog tends to get anxious or fidgety, I speak softly and pet them often. This lets them know I am there to help and not hurt.

Step 3: Grasp the tick

This step is where technique really matters. Here, you’ll use your fine-tipped tweezers or tick removal tool and grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible.

Ideally, you should get hold of the tick right where the tick enters the skin. That’s because you want to remove the entire tick, including its head, and leave nothing behind.

Moreover, if you grab the tick by the body or abdomen, you risk squeezing it. And this can force infected saliva or stomach contents into your dog’s bloodstream, increasing the chances of disease transmission.

Note: Don’t tug too hard, especially on smaller or deeply embedded ticks, as this can break the tick apart.

Step 4: Pull steadily

The fourth step in how to remove ticks on dogs involves actually removing the parasite from your dog’s body using tweezers or a Tick Twister.

And here’s how you can do so with either of the tools:

A. If you’re using tweezers

For those of you who are using tweezers or a similar tick removal tool, you should apply slow yet steady pressure. And once you’ve grasped the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull straight up in one smooth and even motion.

The key here is to now twist, jerk, or yank it out since sudden movement can cause the tick’s body to break off. And this, in turn, can leave the mouthparts embedded in your dog’s skin.

B. If you’re using a Tick Twister

For those of you who are using a Tick Twister, you should gently rotate the tool, generally two or three turns in the same direction, and then lift upward.

You see, these tools are designed to ease the tick out by loosening its grip and without squeezing it. And it does so by leveraging the shape of the tool to separate the tick’s mouthparts from the skin without tearing.

Pro tip: Take your time and have a clean removal as it will mean you’re far less likely to have complications later.

Step 5: Dispose of the tick

Once you’ve removed the tick, your next step is to get rid of it safely. And here, I don’t mean flushing it or squishing it between your fingers as this can release infectious fluids that are harmful to both you and your dog.

Instead, drop the tick into a small container filled with isopropyl alcohol. This will kill the tick quickly and prevent it from crawling away or surviving to bite again.

Note: Always save the tick for a few weeks and label the container with the date and location on your dog’s body where you found it. That’s because if your dog starts showing signs of illness like lethargy, limping, or fever, your vet may want to test the tick to identify diseases it could have carried.

Step 6: Clean the area

It is important to clean your dog’s skin thoroughly to prevent irritation or secondary infection.

After all, even a clean removal can leave a tiny wound where the tick was attached. And just like with a splinter or insect bite, bacteria can sneak in if the area isn’t properly disinfected.

Talking about cleaning material, I suggest you use a pet-safe antiseptic like chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine. Not only are these gentle on the skin but they’re also effective at killing bacteria and soothing minor inflammation.

You can apply the antiseptic using a clean cotton pad or gauze, dabbing gently over the bite area.

Now, while cleaning the tick-infested area, you might notice a small red bump or a slight scab forming over the next day or two, and this is normal.

However, if there is excessive swelling, pus, or persistent redness, this could indicate infection or an allergic reaction. Also, in rare cases, the skin might form a small lump that lasts several days, especially if your dog is sensitive.

Step 7: Wash your hands

Even if you wore gloves, it’s crucial to wash your hands thoroughly after tick removal. That’s because ticks carry various diseases and even the most careful removal can leave behind tiny traces of tick saliva or infected fluids.

Gloves do provide a protective barrier, and I get it. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to handling parasites.

So, take my advice and wash your hands with soap and warm water, scrubbing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. And as you do so, pay close attention to areas like your nails and wrists.

Also, it’s an excellent idea to sanitize the tools you used. This will ensure you won’t accidentally spread germs or parasites to your dog, yourself, or your home.

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