How to remove a tick from your dog: the safe, step-by-step method

A tick attached to your dog can transmit diseases such as babesiosis or Lyme disease. The risk of transmission increases with time, so it's best to remove the tick as soon as you notice it. But removing a tick correctly is more important than removing it quickly: an incorrect action can leave the head in the skin or cause the tick to regurgitate, which increases the risk of infection.

The only recommended tool is the tick remover tool, a small plastic hook that you can buy for a few pounds at the pharmacy or pet shop. They come in different sizes: the medium size is suitable for most dogs.

Absolutely avoid:

• Tweezers: these often squeeze the tick's abdomen, encouraging the regurgitation of infectious saliva

• Ether, alcohol, or petroleum jelly: these products stress the tick before it dies, and it regurgitates into the wound

• Fingers: risk of leaving the head under the skin and exposing yourself to contamination

1. Push the hairs around the tick aside to clearly see the skin

2. Slide the tick remover tool under the tick, as close as possible to your dog's skin

3. Twist slowly in one direction (it doesn't matter which), without pulling upwards

4. The tick will detach after a few rotations, usually completely (body + head)

5. Disinfect the area with an animal-safe antiseptic

6. Check that nothing has been left under the skin (small black dot = residual head, which usually detaches by itself within a few days)

Do not crush it by hand. You can throw it in soapy water, wrap it in tape, or burn it. Some prefer to keep it in a jar with the removal date, which is useful if symptoms appear later and the vet needs to identify the species.

During the 1 to 3 weeks following a bite, look out for:

• Fever, unusual lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Dark urine (possible sign of babesiosis)
• Limping, swollen joints (possible sign of Lyme disease)
• Persistent redness or swelling around the bite area

The smallest of these signs warrants a prompt vet visit, especially in wooded areas or if your dog is frequently exposed to ticks.

After every walk in the woods or through tall grass, make a habit of inspecting your dog: paws, ears, belly, and areas where the skin is thin. An appropriate antiparasitic treatment (spot-on, collar or tablet) remains the best prevention, to be discussed with your vet depending on the season and your region.

For more in-depth information, you can also consult our articles on how often to worm dogs.