How to remove a tick from your dog safely
Steady, straight and close to the skin. The safe way to remove a tick, and the home remedies to skip.
In this guide
Finding a tick on your dog is unpleasant but common. The good news is that removing one is quick if you do it the right way. The aim is to take out the whole tick, including the head, without squeezing it.
What you'll need
- Fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool (a small hook or lasso, sold at pet stores)
- Gloves, if you have them
- Antiseptic suitable for pets, or soap and water
- A small container with a lid, or a piece of tape
- Treats, and a helper if your dog wriggles
Step by step
- Calm your dog. Get them lying down, and have a helper offer treats.
- Part the fur so you can clearly see where the tick enters the skin.
- Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible, by its head or mouthparts, not its swollen body.
- Pull straight out with steady, even pressure. Don't jerk or twist hard. With a tick hook, slide it under the tick and gently twist as the instructions say.
- Check the tick. Make sure you got the whole thing.
- Clean the bite area with a pet-safe antiseptic or soap and water, and wash your hands.
- Reward your dog!
What NOT to do
These "home remedies" are common but can make things worse:
- Don't squeeze the tick's body. It can push more of its contents into your dog.
- Don't burn it with a match or incense stick.
- Don't cover it in kerosene, petrol, oil or nail polish.
- Don't crush it with your fingers. Tick fluids can carry germs.
- Don't pull with your bare fingers. It's easy to leave the head behind.
Disposing of the tick
Drop it in a small container of rubbing alcohol, wrap it tightly in tape, or flush it down the toilet. Never crush it with your fingers. Some vets like you to keep the tick in a sealed container for a few days in case your dog gets sick.
What if the head stays in?
A small part left in the skin usually works its way out like a splinter. Keep the area clean and watch it. If it gets red, swollen, warm or oozes, see your vet. Don't dig at it with a needle.
Afterwards: watch your dog
Keep an eye on your dog for the next few weeks. See your vet if you notice:
- Low energy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Pale gums, nosebleeds or bruising
- Limping or swollen joints
Stop the next one
One tick usually means more nearby. Do a full tick check, wash the bedding, and step up prevention with an Anti-Tick & Flea Shampoo and Tick & Flea Repellent Spray. Read our tick season guide for a full plan.
Questions pet parents ask
What happens if the tick's head stays in my dog? +
It usually comes out on its own like a splinter. Keep the area clean, and see your vet if it gets red, swollen or infected.
Can I remove a tick with my fingers? +
It's better to use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick tool. Fingers tend to squeeze the tick's body and can leave the head behind.
Should I put kerosene or oil on a tick? +
No. Kerosene, oil, nail polish or burning can irritate your dog's skin and may make the tick release more fluid into the bite.
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This guide is general information for pet parents, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, injured or you're unsure, please talk to your vet.
