Last Updated on April 21, 2021 by Pauline G. Carter
For most people, the thought of a tick burrowed in a dog’s skin is enough to send shivers down their spine. While ticks are small, they pose a big health risk to dogs. Some ticks carry serious diseases, so identifying them and removing them as soon as possible is important for your dog’s health. Today we discuss here how to remove a tick from a dog.
What Are Dog Ticks?
The dog tick is a parasite that preys on dogs and other canines. It creates a very painful bite for your furry friend, which can be treated with over-the-counter products, but ticks can also carry serious illnesses. If you notice your dog has a tick, you should take it to the vet immediately.
It is a parasite that carries a bacteria called Borrelia. When transmitted by a bite from a tick, this bacteria can cause Lyme disease in both humans and dogs.
Lyme disease is an infection by a spirochete, a corkscrew-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. Borrelia burgdorferi and related bacteria are collectively referred to as spirochetes.
How to Remove a Tick From a Dog?
Is your dog covered in ticks? It’s a problem we see all too frequently—especially during the summer months. And it can be a problem for both pets and their owners since ticks can carry a number of diseases that can be passed to both of you.
There are several different types of ticks, but the one you are most likely to find on your dog or to have caused you concern is the common deer tick. Deer ticks are usually found in wooded areas or areas with a lot of tall grass, and they tend to stay on the ground.
Walking your dog through these areas, especially if your dog is a medium to large breed, can result in your dog picking up ticks. If you find a tick on your dog, do not panic; read more.
That is the first thing to do, and it is important to remain calm. If you do find a tick, make sure that you remove it. Do not use heat or a chemical to kill it.
Dogs and people are both at risk for carrying ticks. These ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that attacks nerve tissue and can even cause paralysis or death if it goes untreated.
Ticks can also carry another disease known as Rocky Mountain spotted fever caused by a bacterial infection that attacks the blood cells, kidneys, and liver.
Because of the proximity of ticks to dogs, they can easily be infected with these diseases. Dog owners should always be aware of the ticks on their dogs and check them regularly to ensure they do not have any ticks.
Being bitten by a tick is no fun. But the real danger is when you try to remove it yourself. Most people don’t realize that ticks can actually embed themselves in your skin.
If you try to yank one out, they can break off and leave their mouthparts behind, which can cause an infection. The first step in removing a tick from your dog is to be fully prepared.
The best way to avoid these issues is to use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and then pull upward. It would help if you had a pair of tweezers and a small container of alcohol close by.
Don’t even think about digging into your dog with your bare fingers. Even if you manage to grab the tick, it can still inject you with saliva, making you more prone to an allergic reaction.
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About Author (Pauline G. Carter)
Pauline G. Carter is a well-known pet blogger who has written about the world of pets for several years. She is passionate about pets, from cats and dogs to birds, reptiles, and poultry. Her blog, which is updated regularly, is filled with articles and guides on pet care, nutrition, and training. She also shares her experiences and observations on pet ownership, making her blog relatable and informative for pet lovers. She is a true animal advocate and is dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership. Let’s Go …
