Pet Advice

Ticks can carry a range of harmful diseases that they can transmit to your pet through their bite. The longer a tick stays attached, the higher the risk of disease transmission. Removing a tick as soon as you spot it can help reduce the likelihood of infection.

Ticks are most commonly found on your pet’s head, ears, neck, and underarms, but they can attach anywhere on the body. After walks or outdoor play, always check your pet thoroughly for ticks. Run your hands over their coat and feel for any bumps or unusual lumps. If you find a tick, act quickly to remove it.

Before you begin the removal process, make sure you have the right tools to safely remove the tick:

• Fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool: Special tick removal tools are available at most pet stores or online. These tools are designed to remove the tick whole and prevent breaking it.
• Disposable gloves: Wear gloves to avoid direct contact with the tick, as it may carry harmful bacteria.
• Antiseptic or rubbing alcohol: To disinfect the bite area after removing the tick.
• A small container or jar with a lid: To safely contain the tick for future identification (if necessary).
• A clean tissue or cloth: To help clean up any residual mess once the tick is removed.

Stay Calm and Calm Your Pet Removing a tick should be done calmly and efficiently. Start by making sure your pet is relaxed. If necessary, ask someone to help you gently hold your pet still. A calm environment will make the process easier for both you and your pet.

• Use the Tweezers or Tick Removal Tool Use a fine-tipped pair of tweezers or a tick removal tool to grab the tick as close to your pet’s skin as possible. Be careful not to squeeze the body of the tick, as this can cause it to release more harmful fluids into your pet’s bloodstream.
  • For tweezers: Gently grasp the tick by its head or mouthparts, not the body.
  • For a tick removal tool: Place the tool around the tick’s body, close to the skin, and follow the instructions provided with the tool to remove the tick
• Pull Gently and Steadily Once you have a firm grip on the tick, pull it out slowly and steadily in a straight motion. Do not twist or jerk, as this could cause parts of the tick to remain embedded in your pet’s skin. Keep pulling until the tick is completely detached.
• Check for Any Leftover Tick Parts If any part of the tick’s mouthparts remain stuck in your pet’s skin, remove them carefully with the tweezers or a sterile needle. If you’re unable to remove the remaining parts, don’t panic—just monitor the area for any signs of infection and contact your vet if needed.
• Clean the Bite Area Once the tick is removed, clean the bite area with antiseptic or rubbing alcohol to reduce the risk of infection. You can also apply an antibiotic ointment if necessary.
• Dispose of the Tick Properly To avoid coming into contact with any harmful pathogens the tick may carry, place it in a small container or jar with a lid. If you’re concerned about possible diseases, bring the tick to your vet for identification. Never crush the tick with your fingers, as it may release harmful fluids. Dispose of the tick in a sealed container or by flushing it down the toilet.
• Wash Your Hands Thoroughly Even though you wore gloves, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the tick or your pet. This helps ensure that any remaining bacteria are removed.

After removing the tick, closely monitor your pet for any signs of infection or illness. Some common symptoms to look out for include:

• Redness or swelling at the site of the bite
• Excessive scratching or licking of the affected area
• Lethargy or changes in behaviour
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

To minimize the risk of ticks in the future, consider taking the following preventive measures:

• Tick Preventatives: Ask your vet about tick preventatives such as oral medications, topical treatments, or tick collars. These products can help reduce the likelihood of ticks attaching to your pet.
• Tick Checks: Regularly check your pet for ticks after outdoor activities, especially during tick season (spring to fall). The sooner you catch a tick, the easier it will be to remove.
• Avoid Tick-Prone Areas: Avoid walking your pet through tall grass, wooded areas, or places known to have a high tick population, especially during peak tick season.