by K. W. Callahan

Created on: November 29, 2008   Last Updated: June 15, 2009

There are a number of misconceptions when it comes to dogs and tick removal. Many of us have heard the techniques that involve applying a hot match or alcohol swab to the tick, which in theory make a tick react and detach itself from its host. But these methods promote incorrect method(s), and are frankly dangerous techniques. They can agitate the tick, and cause it to inject disease-filled saliva into the dog.

FINDING THE TICK

Ticks are parasites that seek out warm-blooded hosts on which to burrow their heads and feed. Beneath the coat or under the ears of dogs are the ideal spots to search for these tiny vampires. Left unattended, a tick will engorge itself with blood, eventually dropping off the dog on its own. However, these little bloodsuckers can carry nasty diseases, including the famed Lyme disease, and can transmit them to their host or others who are exposed to them.

REMOVAL

It is important to take precautions when grooming your dog for ticks by wearing gloves. If a tick is discovered, use an instrument such as tweezers or your gloved fingers to grab hold of the tick as close to its head as possible, and slowly pull the tiny beast straight out, making sure not to twist. Holding a mineral oil coated swab against the tick for thirty seconds before pulling, can act to ease the tick's grip.

A bit of the dog's skin might come off with the tick or he might give a yelp. Just bear in mind, like immunization shots, you are doing this for the good of doggy dearest and those around him, so don't feel guilty. Occasionally, the tick's head may remain attached to the dog's skin, causing a red inflammation, but normally it will drop off with time. If it does not, or becomes infected, see a veterinarian. A bit of hydrocortisone cream or spray on the affected area can reduce chances of infection and increase healing time.

DISPOSAL

Once the tick has been removed, don't squash it or attempt to kill it with your bare hands or fingernails. Instead, place the tick in an ashtray and touch a lit match or lighter to its head. This will quickly kill the tick. You can also wrap it in a tissue and flush it down the toilet. Make sure to wash your hands when done, even if you wore gloves. Never throw a live tick in the trash, as it will likely find its way out. Properly disposing of the tick can reduce the chance of further infection or contamination.

Sources:

Doctors Foster and Smith. "How to Remove a Tick." [Online] http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=62

Dr. Dawn Ruben. "How to Remove and Prevent Ticks in Dogs." [Online] http://www.petplace.com/dogs/how-to-remove-and-preve nt-ticks-in-dogs-2/page1.aspx

Puppy-Training-Solutions.com. "A Technique for Removing Ticks." [Online] http://www.puppy-training-solutions.com/removing-tic ks.html

This author is not a licensed veterinarian. The content in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Any action taken by the reader due to the information provided in this article is at the reader's discretion.

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