Ticks are itchy pests that can plague humans and pets alike, but for dogs, removing ticks isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Your dog’s fur can make it tricky to find and remove ticks, putting them more at risk for tick-borne diseases. If you’re a pet owner who’s not sure how to protect your dog from ticks, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll lay out a few of the most effective ways to remove ticks from dogs.
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Removing Ticks From Your Dog
Ticks are notoriously hard to find since most of them bite in hidden areas on your dog’s body, like the groin, between the toes, inside the ears, under collars, and along the eyelids. Even worse, your dog’s fur only obscures your view further.
It’s important to get rid of ticks at the very first sign of their presence to avoid diseases, so quickly use the methods below if you find a tick on your furry friend.
A pair of tweezers is the most common tick-remover device, but it’s not foolproof.
When using the tweezer method:
- Position the tweezers perpendicular to the biting tick.
- Place the plucking end of the tweezer around the head of the tick. As much as possible, avoid twisting the tick.
- Gently pull the tick upwards in a steady motion while maintaining sufficient pressure to avoid crushing or tearing the tick’s body.
- When plucking ticks from your dog’s ear, it is best to swab the organ, especially the bitten area, with a disinfectant like rubbing alcohol.
Removing ticks near or inside your pet’s mouth can be challenging, so it’s best to seek professional assistance from your local vet.
The tick key is a tick removal tool that attaches to your key ring, so you can remove ticks anytime, anywhere. When removing the parasite using a tick key:
- Press the device tightly against your pet’s skin, with the tick passing through the large hole.
- Slowly slide the key while maintaining the same pressure until the tick comes to the tight, narrow point of the device.
- Continue sliding down until the tick is successfully removed.
Tick shampoo freshens up your pup while killing ticks at the same time.
If you can, choose a tick shampoo that contains all-natural ingredients, so it’s totally safe for you and your pet. Oatmeal and aloe vera ingredients can also help soothe irritated areas of the skin.
When bathing your pet dog with a tick shampoo:
- Work your way from the head to the toes and tail.
- Be very careful in lathering the shampoo on your pet’s head to avoid affecting the eyes.
- Massage gently, especially along the ears, in between toes, and other favorite tick hiding spots.
- Let the shampoo settle for 10 minutes before rinsing off.
For ticks hiding inside the ears, it is best to use medicated drops instead of shampoo. The inner portion of your dog’s ears may get infected if it comes in contact with the shampoo’s active ingredients.
Another effective trick against these nasty parasites is tick powder. There are a lot of tick powders offered in the market, so make sure that the solution you’re planning to use is intended for dogs. You should also check the label to see if it’s appropriate for your pet’s age.
When using tick powder:
- Apply in small amounts and rub it gently against the dog’s skin.
- If your pet has long fur or a double coat, gently brush the hair to the side before applying the powder. Do this one section at a time.
- Apply tick powder indoors for protection against windy environments.
- Avoid using tick powder on your pet’s face to prevent inhalation.
Most tick sprays deliver residual effects, meaning that your dog can enjoy prolonged protection from tick bites and infestation after application.
You can apply tick sprays after a bath using a tick shampoo for added protection. Just make sure that the spray solution dries before setting your pet loose to play with your kids.
Another effective method for tick treatment is drowning them in a chemical solution.
The most effective tick dip for dogs is one that contains pyrethrins. To do this, dilute the solution with water and dip your pet into it. For larger dogs, you can use a sponge as an easier alternative.
I don’t recommend a tick dip for puppies, especially those under four months old. Likewise, you shouldn’t use a tick dip on pregnant and nursing dogs because of the solution’s strong chemical content.
Be sure to read and understand all the details included in the product’s label before use.
Oral medications are one of the best methods for eradicating tick infestation because of their simplicity and efficacy. Pills now come in chewable formulas with tasty flavors, making them easy for your pet to eat. Also, depending on the strength of the product, a single pill can offer protection against ticks for months.
However, you need a veterinary prescription for most oral medications, and the pills tend to be pricey. Still, it’s well worth the money to kick your ticks to the curb for good.
Tick Prevention
The best way to fight tick-borne diseases is to prevent fleas and ticks on dogs in the first place. Pet owners should consider some repellent products for year-round tick prevention, like tick collars for dogs. You can also use tick spray for yards to fight these pests outdoors. Treating for ticks before you find them may seem unnecessary, but it keeps them from ever becoming a problem.
Also, pet owners should keep themselves safe from ticks as well. Pets and humans can spread ticks to each other, so it’s important to learn how to check for ticks on humans and dogs. Checking can help catch ticks before they start spreading diseases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ticks need to be attached for more than 24 hours before they start spreading Lyme disease. If you check for ticks thoroughly before you reach the 24-hour mark, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding any illnesses.
Today’s Homeowner Tips
Tick shampoos are also effective in eradicating flea infestations, so buying a bottle will cover two pests at once.
Tick Safety Tips
Removing a tick may seem straightforward, but it’s important to keep a few safety procedures in mind:
- Wear sanitary gloves before removing a tick. Gloves protect your hands from tick blood or saliva.
- Don’t suffocate ticks with popular home remedies like nail polish and Vaseline.
- Don’t crush or tear the tick’s head or body with tweezers. If you squeeze or break the tick, you may push the blood back into your pet, which increases its risk of infection.
- Disinfect your hands with an antiseptic after the job is done (yes, even if you wore gloves).
When To Call A Veterinarian for Ticks
While most tick bites may not warrant a visit to the vet, there are some cases where you’ll need professional help. According to the Humane Society of the United States, you should talk with your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs of illness:
- Lethargy
- Joint pain or swollen joints
- Skin rash
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite or thirst
- Inflammation near the bite area
- Neurological problems
Any of the symptoms above could be a sign that your dog has a tick-borne illness. According to the American Kennel Club, the most common tick-borne diseases for dogs are Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Bartonellosis, and Hepatozoonosis.
Some symptoms may not show up for weeks after the bite, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your pet. I recommend checking your dog daily for ticks if they go outside during spring and fall.
Final Thoughts on Tick Bites
Tick bites are never fun, but with the right precautions in place, you can remove them easily and keep your furry friend from any health problems. When in doubt, remember to check your dog for ticks after any playtime outside and call a veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of tick-borne diseases.
Remember, it’s easier to prevent ticks than it is to treat Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, so get a head start on the fight for pet health by repelling ticks all year long.
Are you interested in getting professional help for your tick problem? Use the form below to get an estimate on pest control costs from a local provider:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can indoor dogs get ticks?
Yes, indoor dogs can get ticks. Humans can bring ticks in from the outdoors, spreading them to their pets. That’s why it’s important for humans to check for ticks as well.
Are some dog breeds more susceptible to ticks?
Some long-haired breeds, like poodles, the Shetland Sheepdog, Golden Retriever, and Bernese Mountain Dog are more susceptible to ticks because their long hair gives ticks more places to hide.
How often should I check my dog for ticks?
If your dog spends a lot of time outside, you should check them daily for ticks during peak season (spring and fall). For indoor dogs, you could get away with checking once a week.
What are the most common tick-borne diseases in dogs?
Some of the most common tick-borne diseases for dogs are Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Bartonellosis, and Hepatozoonosis.
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