Liputan6.com, Jakarta Finding a tick on your dog can be scary. Many pet owners worry about how to remove tick from dog safely without causing harm. Ticks are small blood-sucking parasites that can attach to your pet's skin and cause serious health problems.
These tiny creatures are found everywhere - from your backyard to hiking trails. They wait in tall grass, bushes, and wooded areas for animals to pass by. When your dog walks through these areas, ticks can easily jump onto their fur and find a warm place to bite.
In this article, you will learn how to remove tick from dog at home. You will also find some tips to prevent the problem. We gathered the information form various sources, Wednesday (24/9/2025).
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How to Remove Tick from Dog
Removing a tick from your dog may seem difficult, but it becomes easier when you know the right steps. Quick removal is very important because ticks can spread diseases to your dog within just a few hours of biting.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Get fine-point tweezers or a special tick removal tool. Never use your fingers or regular household tweezers with blunt tips. Also prepare gloves, rubbing alcohol, and a small container.
Step 2: Put on Gloves
Wear latex or vinyl gloves to protect yourself from any diseases the tick might carry. This also prevents you from squeezing the tick accidentally with your bare hands.
Step 3: Find the Tick
Part your dog's fur around the tick area. Look for the tick's body and find where it attaches to your dog's skin. The tick may be very small or as big as a grape if it has been feeding for a while.
Step 4: Grasp the Tick
Use your tweezers to grab the tick as close to your dog's skin as possible. Do not squeeze the tick's body. Hold it firmly but gently near the head area where it enters the skin.
Step 5: Pull Straight Up
Pull the tick straight up with slow, steady pressure. Do not twist, jerk, or rock the tick. Keep pulling until the tick comes out completely. Check that no parts of the tick remain in the skin.
Step 6: Clean the Area
Clean the bite spot with rubbing alcohol. Wash your hands well with soap and water. Clean your tweezers with alcohol too.
Step 7: Dispose of the Tick
Put the tick in alcohol, flush it down the toilet, or tape it to a piece of paper before throwing it away. Never crush the tick with your fingers.
Step 8: Watch the Bite Area
Check the bite spot for several days. Some redness is normal, but call your vet if you see swelling, pus, or if your dog seems sick.
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Why Ticks Are Dangerous for Your Dog
Ticks carry many serious diseases that can make your dog very sick. These tiny parasites feed on blood and can pass harmful bacteria and other germs into your pet's body while they eat. The longer a tick stays attached, the higher the chance your dog will get sick.
One of the most common tick diseases is Lyme Disease. According to AKC Pet Insurance, deer ticks spread this disease most often in the Northeastern and Southeastern United States. Dogs with Lyme Disease may develop a rash around the bite area, fever, walking problems, loss of appetite, and extreme tiredness. This disease can cause serious joint problems and make your dog feel very tired and weak.
Ticks can also cause other serious diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Canine Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis. These diseases can cause fever, weakness, joint pain, and breathing problems. Some tick diseases can even be deadly if not treated quickly, which shows why removing ticks fast is so important for your dog's health and safety.
Tips to Prevent Ticks on Dogs
Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to protecting your dog from ticks. There are many simple ways to keep these dangerous parasites away from your pet before they can cause harm.
- Check Your Dog Daily: The AKC Canine Health Foundation recommends checking your dog for ticks every day during tick season, which includes spring, summer, and fall. In warm areas, you should check year-round. Run your fingers through your dog's fur and press gently to feel for small bumps on the skin. Regular checking helps you find ticks before they can spread disease.
- Use Tick Prevention Products: According to the RSPCA, pet owners can choose from several types of tick treatments including spot-on treatments and tablets. Your veterinarian can help you pick the best tick treatment for your specific dog. These products either kill ticks quickly or keep them away from your dog completely.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: AKC Pet Insurance explains that dogs face the highest tick risk in heavily wooded areas and places with tall grass. Try to walk your dog on clear paths and avoid thick brush when possible.
- Keep Your Yard Clean: Blue Cross explains that ticks can be found in your garden, especially if you live in an area with lots of wildlife. Keep your grass short and remove leaf piles where ticks might hide.
- Consider Professional Help: For severe tick problems, the AKC Canine Health Foundation suggests calling a professional exterminator if you find many ticks crawling on the walls inside your house. You may need to leave your home temporarily while they treat the area. Sometimes professional treatment is necessary for complete protection.
- Annual Vet Checkups: The AKC Canine Health Foundation emphasizes that yearly screening for tick diseases should be an important part of your pet's annual veterinary exam. These blood tests are quick and you can get results while you wait at the clinic. Regular blood tests can catch tick diseases early when they are easier to treat.
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