5 Key Steps To Remove Ticks From Your Dog

As a pet owner, it is imperative to recognize the potential dangers of ticks on dogs and how to remove them properly. 

Despite taking measures to deter ticks, sometimes they still manage to find their way onto your pup. Knowing how to identify and remove ticks from dogs properly is essential for their health and safety—as well as yours. 

This blog post will discuss five critical steps for removing ticks from dogs, preventing ticks, signs of tick-borne illnesses in pets, and treatment options.

Identifying Ticks on Dogs

Ticks are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that subsist on the blood of animals. Dogs are particularly vulnerable to ticks because they spend much time outdoors and often come into contact with areas where ticks live. 

Pet owners need to be able to identify different types of ticks so they can take steps to protect their dogs from them.

Brown Dog Tick

The most common type of tick found on dogs is the brown dog tick. These pests range in size from 0.125 to 0.1875 inches when fully engorged with blood. They have an oval shape with dark reddish-brown coloring. Brown dog ticks are typically found around the ears, neck, limbs, and belly.

Deer / Black-Legged Tick

Deer or black-legged ticks are about 0.25 inches when fully grown and have a mottled grayish coloration before feeding that becomes darker after consuming blood. They tend to inhabit wooded or grassy areas and attach themselves firmly to their host once they find one.

American Dog Tick

The American dog tick can grow up to 0.5 inches once fully engorged and typically has a yellowish background with red markings forming the shape of a violin. These pests are most common in warm climates. 

How To Remove Ticks From Dogs in 5 Steps

So, how do you remove ticks from dogs? Taking the proper steps when removing a tick is crucial, as improper removal can cause infection or further irritation. Here are five steps for safely removing ticks from dogs:

1. Put on gloves and use tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool to grasp the head of the tick close to your dog’s skin. Pull firmly but steadily until it releases its grip, careful not to twist or jerk the tick out.
2. Dispose of the removed tick by placing it in rubbing alcohol, flushing it down the toilet, or sealing it in a baggie and throwing it away. Whatever you do, don’t crush it—if it carries a disease, you could squeeze the infected blood out of the tick, increasing the likelihood of transmission.
3. Cleanse your pet's skin with antiseptic wipes after removing any remaining parts of the mouthparts left behind by wiping gently with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol over the affected area afterward.
4. Monitor your pet closely for signs of tick-borne illness (covered below). If you notice any symptoms, your dog requires immediate veterinary attention.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling ticks since they can transmit diseases through their saliva to humans.

Preventing Ticks on Dogs

Pet owners must be vigilant against ticks, which can lead to severe illness and health issues in canines. Fortunately, some measures can reduce the risk of ticks afflicting your dog, so you won’t need to look up how to remove dog ticks in the first place. 

The first step is to use flea and tick prevention products such as topical treatments or collars. These products kill existing ticks on the animal's body and repel new ones from attaching. 

Be sure to adhere strictly to the directions when utilizing these items, as they can be toxic if mishandled. Additionally, you must check with your veterinarian which product is best for your dog.

Another effective way of preventing ticks is by regularly checking your pet for them after walks or playtime outside. Ticks typically attach around the head, neck, and ears, so pay special attention to those areas during inspections. 

It’s also a good idea to brush their fur with a fine-toothed comb while looking for signs of an infestation. 

Finally, whenever possible, avoid walking or playing in areas with a high tick population, such as wooded trails or tall grasses. 

Signs of Tick-Borne Illness in Dogs

Ticks can be a significant source of discomfort and health risks for dogs. In addition to the physical irritation caused by their bites, ticks may also transmit serious diseases that can cause severe illness in our canine companions. Therefore, pet owners must recognize the indicators of tick-borne conditions to identify any problems quickly and administer timely treatment.

Fever

Fever is a frequent sign of illnesses contracted from tick bites in canines. Your pup's fever could indicate an underlying infection from a tick bite or other parasite. 

Monitor your canine's temperature carefully. If it reaches a level higher than 103°F (39°C), reach out to the vet immediately, as this may indicate something more serious other than just a bug bite.

Lethargy

Lethargy is another symptom commonly seen with tick-borne illnesses in dogs. Your pup may seem listless or uninterested in activities they usually enjoy if they are under the weather due to an infection from ticks. 

Loss of Appetite

Additionally, loss of appetite can occur when your pooch isn’t feeling well—they might not want to eat their meals or snacks like usual if something is internally related to parasites such as ticks or fleas.

Tenderness

Suppose you observe any tenderness or discomfort in your pet's limbs while handling them. In that case, this could indicate that something might not be functioning correctly internally and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. 

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes can also signify that your canine companion may have been exposed to some form of the pathogen through their contact with bugs such as ticks; these glands become enlarged when the body attempts to fend off infections caused by external agents like parasites.

Coughing / Difficulty Breathing

Coughing or difficulty breathing are two additional warning signs indicating potential problems stemming from exposure to parasites such as ticks. These respiratory issues may arise due to lung inflammation during certain infections, including those transmitted by insects like fleas and mosquitoes. 

Treatment for Tick-Borne Illness in Dogs

When treating a dog with a tick-borne illness, the best action is to visit your veterinarian. Depending on your pup's ailment, your vet can diagnose the sickness and prescribe medication, like antibiotics or other drugs. 

Without treatment, tick-borne diseases can cause significant harm to both humans and animals. 

Conclusion

When wondering how to get rid of a tick on a dog, it’s imperative to be conscious of the indications and manifestations of tick-borne maladies in canines to take prompt action if needed. 

By taking preventive measures and following the five steps for removing ticks from dogs, you can help protect your pet from any potential harm or discomfort. Taking proactive steps like these will ensure you can remove ticks from dogs before they cause any damage or distress.

Find the tools you’ll need to prevent tick removal from dogs, including brushes, combs, and more, at Muffin & James Doggy Bag Treat. It’s a dog supplies online store where you can purchase tools and dog treats online that you need to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

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