Removing Ticks from Pets

Removing Ticks from Pets Forget the myths you’ve heard about match heads. They’re all wrong! Instead, follow these tips to keep your pet tick-free and healthy. If you live in tick country, examine your pet every time it comes in from the outdoors. Ticks carry diseases that can harm dogs, cats, humans, and small animals like ferrets. The diseases enter the body when the tick regurgitates into the skin. If you can remove the tick before this happens (it generally takes several hours), your pet will be safe. When you check for ticks, pay special attention to your pet’s face, ears, eyes, legs, and belly. Ticks can be very small, so look closely and feel with your hands. Removing the Tick If you find a tick, put on a pair of latex gloves. Using a pair of tweezers, grasp the tick firmly at the place where it meets your pet’s skin. Hold the tweezers tightly. With a slow, steady motion, pull the tick straight out and away from your pet’s skin. Clean the Area Wash the area with soap and water. If a piece of the tick broke off, it will probably eject itself in time. Remember that you avoided the transmission of disease, so now the only danger is infection. Keep an eye on the spot, and if it becomes tender or red, take your pet to the veterinarian.