How to Remove a Tick From a Dog Safely
Found a tick after a walk in long grass or woods.
By Pawfessor Editorial Team Reviewed by a veterinarianUpdated
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Usually handled at home. Call your vet if it gets worse or you are unsure.
Ticks can carry diseases, so removing them quickly and properly matters. Check your dog after walks in long grass or woodland, especially around the ears, neck, armpits, groin and between the toes.
What to do
- Use a tick hook or fine-tipped tweezers
- Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible
- With a hook, twist and lift; with tweezers, pull straight out, steadily
- Clean the area and wash your hands
- Watch the spot for a few weeks
Don't
- Burn it, squeeze it or cover it in oil or alcohol: it can release more saliva into the bite
See the vet if
- The area becomes red and swollen
- Your dog becomes lethargic, lame or feverish in the following weeks
Frequently asked questions
Should I put alcohol or petroleum jelly on a tick first?
No. Smothering or burning a tick can make it release more saliva into the bite. Remove it promptly with a tick remover or fine tweezers.
How can I prevent ticks?
Check your dog after walks in grass and woods, and ask your vet about tick prevention products suitable for your dog and area.
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