Removing Ticks from Your Pets

Removing Ticks from Your Pets

Why Tick Removal is Important

Ticks, just like mosquitos, fleas, and other bugs, can transmit nasty and even fatal diseases. You can try to protect your sweet furry family members with products like Frontline Plus, K9 Advantix, or other tick/flea repellants for pets, but in the unfortunate case that your little buddy gets stuck with one of these ectoparasites (ie. external parasites – living and feeding outside of their host), you will want to remove it as soon as possible.

Things to Watch Out For

Incorrect removal of ticks can result in the head and mouth of the tick remaining underneath your pet’s skin which can lead to infection or a nasty rash. It could also end up pressing fluids from the tick into your furry friend, possibly infecting them with diseases. Be sure to follow the guide below to best protect your pet from further pain/damage.

Tick Removal 101

Follow these simple steps for fast and safe tick removal:

1. Stay Calm – The calmer you are, the calmer your pet will be which will help them sit still as you try to remove the parasite
2. Have Help if Possible – Nothing makes tick removal more difficult than when your furry friend is wriggling around and wanting to go play. If possible, get help from a friend or family member that can assist you with keeping your pet still and calm. This person can also potentially assist with the removal itself as well.
3. Use Proper Removal Tools – If available, use a tool designed for tick removal. While most, if not all, such tools are utilized in the same way, they should provide If this is not available, tweezers as close to the contact point as possible. With gentle but steady and firm traction, pull back straight away from the skin (do not twist).
4. Clean the Area – Gently clean the area using warm, soapy water. If the bite was away from your pet’s face and in an area he/she cannot reach to lick, consider lightly dabbing on a gentle antiseptic.
5. Keep the Tick – If possible, try to store the tick in a bit of Tupperware or other tightly sealable container. This is important if tick identification becomes necessary in the case that your furry friend unfortunately falls ill. If symptoms are identified, the tick can be brought into the vet for examination.
6. Keep an Eye on Your Pup/Kitty – Be aware of any changes in behavior or appetite, or any other concerning symptoms that may show within the following two to three weeks. In the unfortunate case it appears your furry friend has fallen ill, be sure to bring them to the vet as soon as possible for treatment.

Mistakes to Avoid!

Make sure to avoid some of the following damaging techniques for tick removal:

• DO NOT use fire to try to burn the tick off. This can both be ineffective and can potentially injure your pet.
• DO NOT try smothering the tick with Vaseline. Not only does this technique fail 99% of the time, it can cause your pet to begin licking the area, ingesting the Vaseline and potentially ripping of the tick, leaving behind its head and possibly even eating the tick, resulting in health dangers.
• DO NOT handle the tick with bare hands. It can easily bite you or leave its infectious fluids on your skin in the process, further risking the spread of diseases.
• DO NOT put too much pressure on the tick or squeeze it during removal. This can cause the parasite to purge its fluids back into your furry friend, putting them at great risk of disease and infection.

Citations

Dr. Nicholas, J. (2019) How to Remove a Tick from Your Dog or Cat – What to Do and What NOT to Do, Preventive Vet. Available at: https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-remove-a-tick-from-your-dog-or-cat (Accessed: June 2020). Ticks and Tick Removal (2018) International Cat Care. Available at: https://icatcare.org/adive/ticks-and-tick-removal/(Accessed: June 2020).