Removing Ticks From Dogs

Every year, many dogs contract the deadly canine Lyme disease and other vector-borne diseases when they come into contact with the disease carrying ticks. With their furry coats and the love for outdoors and exploration, dogs are more likely to be affected by the parasitic infection then any other animal. In fact ticks can be present anywhere, from deep dense woods to urban parks. However, despite the availability of simple testing, prevention and treatment options, many people are unaware of their pet dogs suffering from these debilitating ticks and the various diseases until it is too late. Therefore, removing ticks from dogs becomes an essential part of the dog care process.

What Are Ticks?

Ticks should not be confused with dog fleas which are also dependent on animal's blood for survival. So what exactly are ticks? Well, ticks are tiny members of the acarina family with multiple legs (Young ticks have six legs while a mature tick has eight legs). Found in tall shrubs and bushes, these parasites attach themselves to a passing host by inserting its cutting mandibles (chelicerae) and feeding tube into the skin. Although there are many types of ticks, the common types of tick species seen in America are the American dog tick, lone star tick, deer tick, brown dog tick and winter tick. These pests attach themselves to the skin of both human and animals and end up sucking the blood and spreading infection. They can also cause various infectious diseases like the Lyme disease in dogs. This makes it absolutely essential to remove the ticks as soon as possible.

How To Remove Ticks From Dogs

The first part in the effective prevention and protection of your dogs from this dog health problem is to check your dog for ticks every day. This process should be especially done during tick seasons like spring, summer and fall, or in warmer climates. For checking if your furry friend is affected with ticks run your fingers through the fur by slightly parting them and then applying enough pressure to feel any small bumps. If you find bumps on your dog's skin, part the fur to identify if it is a tick. A tick embedded in the skin will vary in size and is usually black or dark brown. (Ticks need to be buried in the skin of the host for approximately 24 - 48 hours to spread infection). Depending on the size and location, you may also be able to see the legs of the tick. Once you have located the tick you can now follow this step by step process for dog tick removal.

1. For safely removing ticks from dogs which are attached to its skin you need to use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers which are sterilized or special tick removal instruments. It is important that you use these devices for removing the tick. This eliminates the possibility of you squeezing the tick body or crushing the tick and forcing the harmful bacteria into the dog's bloodstream.
2. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hand from the ticks.
3. Now using the tweezers grab the tick by the head or mouth right where they enter the skin. This can be done by placing the tweezers horizontally around the ticks head and pressing it as close to the dog's skin as you can.
4. With a fluid, firm movement, pull the tick firmly and steadily outward without jerking or twisting.
5. Remember that ticks are hardy pests which are not killed easily, so once the tick is removed you need to place it in a jar of alcohol to kill it.
6. Clean the infected area with a disinfectant like rubbing alcohol or a small amount of a triple antibiotic ointment. You can use a tick preventive to prevent parasitic infestation.
7. Wash your hands thoroughly after the entire process.

Another method for removing ticks from a dog is to rub the pest in a circular motion. This will make the ticks crawl out on their own, after which they can then be removed easily. It is important to remember that using methods such as applying petroleum jelly, a hot match, or nail polish for removing ticks from your dog will not cause the tick to 'back out' and instead end up in depositing disease-carrying saliva in the infection. Also, do not use your fingers or crush the tick as it may release the infection carried by it. Ticks are not only unpleasant but can also be dangerous to your dog's health. Therefore, it is necessary that they are safely and efficiently removed, thus preventing the transmission of several deadly diseases or dog illnesses. It is also a good idea ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick screening at each exam. After all removing ticks from dogs is an essential part of keeping your pet healthy and happy.