How to Remove a Tick From a Dog

I haven't seen many ticks in my life, and have never removed one from anybody or any animal. But when my dog, Spud had a tick on him, I had to find a good way to remove it. I used the method below and got the tick out in tact and without even making Spud flinch. Now, it could be harder, or easier, for you to do it. This seems to be the way that most places online say to remove them. Below are a few facts about ticks.

Where Ticks Live

Ticks usually live in underbrush, forests, etc. But sometimes ticks be found on dogs that don't live near the woods or underbrush. Spud never goes through underbrush or the woods, but he got a tick. So don't assume that ticks can only be on dogs that live near the above places.

How Ticks Travel

Ticks bite animals like deer (hence the name Deer Tick) and other animals. A tick can be transported to your yard by animals that go in the woods and underbrush, like foxes, deer, and outdoor cats. When a tick is done with it's meal, it falls off wherever the animal is. Ticks can't hop or fly, but they can crawl.

Lyme Disease

Dogs don't usually get Lyme Disease unless the tick is on them for a long time, like a day or a few days.

The symptoms of Lyme Disease are:

--Sudden or worse arthritis
--Loss of appetite
--Fever
--Sometimes swollen Lymph Nodes

If your dog happens to get Lyme Disease, then your dog's veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics for your dog. The longer it has had Lyme Disease, the longer the antibiotics will be needed to heal your dog.

There is a vaccination for Lyme Disease if you are concerned about your pet getting it.