If you’ve found a creepy, crawly passenger on your dog after a weekend hike or camping trip, you’re not alone! Ticks are a common concern for pet owners here in Damascus and throughout the Pacific Northwest. With our mild, damp climate and access to wooded trails and grassy areas, tick season really is year-round. The good news? The team at Pine Point Animal Hospital is here to help with safe tick removal (and tick prevention).
Why We Take Ticks Seriously
Ticks aren’t just gross. They can also transmit diseases that affect both pets and people. The longer a tick is attached, the higher the risk of transmitting infections like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. While not every tick carries disease, it’s important to take every encounter seriously. Prompt and safe tick removal matters!
Safe Tick Removal 101
If you find a tick on your dog, don’t panic. The first thing to do is assess the situation. If you catch the tick before it’s had a chance to bite/latch, just pluck it and toss it! Make sure you’re either wearing gloves or using a tissue to protect yourself. Safely dispose of ticks by flushing them or killing them by submerging them in rubbing alcohol.
If the tick has embedded (AKA is latched to your pet), safe and timely removal is incredibly important! For the best results, follow these steps:
Gather your supplies
- Fine-tipped tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool
- Gloves (if available)
- Rubbing alcohol or antiseptic
- A small container or bag
Get a good grip
If you have a tick removal tool, follow the instructions provided. If you’re using tweezers, grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible. Avoid grabbing the tick’s body! Pressure can make the tick release more saliva into the bite, which increases the risk of infection.
Pull straight out
With steady, even pressure, pull the tick straight out. Do not twist or jerk, as this can cause parts of the tick to break off and remain in the skin.
Clean the area
After removal, clean the bite site with rubbing alcohol or antiseptic. Carefully wash your hands with soap and water, and get rid of contaminated gloves.
Dispose of the tick
Place the tick in a sealed container with alcohol, or wrap it tightly in a paper towel or piece of toilet paper before throwing it away. We recommend keeping the tick for 1-2 months in a sealed container. If your dog starts to show signs of illness, your veterinarian will need the tick for testing. Store the tick in the freezer or refrigerator to preserve it.
When In Doubt, Call Your Vet!
Depending on the tick’s location, your pet’s temperament, and your comfort level with the process, removing a tick at home might feel daunting. Luckily, the team at Pine Point Animal Hospital can facilitate same-day appointments. Benefits of tick removal at the clinic include safe removal and professional handling, thorough bite wound cleaning, and proactive pain management if the site looks irritated.
What Not to Do
There’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to safe tick removal. Here are some common myths and things to avoid when trying to remove an embedded tick from your dog!
- Don’t use heat (like matches or lighters). Applying heat to a tick can actually increase saliva production and make disease transmission more likely.
- Don’t apply petroleum jelly or oils. Trying to use these topicals may even cause the tick to burrow more deeply!
- Don’t squeeze or crush the tick while it’s attached. As we mentioned earlier, squeezing or crushing the tick’s body may cause it to spew more infected saliva into the bite site.
All of these methods can increase the risk of disease transmission and prolong the amount of time the tick is attached!
After A Tick Bite
Unfortunately, tick diseases can take a long time to develop after the initial bite. Your dog may not show signs until several months after being infected. Keep a close eye on your dog and contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Limping or stiffness
- Swelling or redness at the bite site
If you’re unsure whether you removed the tick completely, or if the area becomes irritated, it’s always a good idea to have it checked.
Prevention Is Key (All Year Long)
It’s tempting to think of ticks as a spring and summer problem, but here in Oregon, they’re active year-round. That’s why year-round tick prevention is so important. Prescription flea and tick preventatives can:
- Kill ticks before they attach or transmit disease
- Reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses
- Give you peace of mind during outdoor adventures
Whether your dog loves hiking, exploring the backyard, or just tagging along on daily walks, prevention should be part of their routine care. In addition to routine preventatives, dogs benefit from daily tick checks after outdoor time. Spend extra time checking around the ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes!
Pine Point Animal Hospital Is Here to Help
As a locally-owned veterinary clinic serving the Damascus community, we’re committed to keeping your pets safe, healthy, and happy. If you have questions about tick removal, prevention options, or your dog’s risk, we’re always happy to help!