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Most importantly when you remove a tick
you must ensure that the entire tick, head
included, is removed.
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Avoid squeezing the body of the tick as
this can cause them to release more toxins
into the pet.
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Do not put any chemicals on the tick as they
may be toxic to your pet or even aggravate
the tick causing it to release more toxins.
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The best way to remove a tick is to use a
Tick Remover like a Tick Twister or The Tick Key.
These work like a hook that you slide under the
tick, then pull back and then tick can be safely
removed head and all.
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If you don't have a Tick Remover you can use
tweezers. Again, be careful not to squeeze the
tick's body. Get the tweezers close to the skin
where the head is embedded and pull the tick
away from the skin.
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Wrap the tick in a tissue and keep it in a
container in case your vet wants to see it.
removing ticks
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Continue to check your pet even if you find
a tick as they can often have more than one.
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If you do not feel confident in removing the tick
you should contact your veterinarian immediately
and they will be able to assist you.
If you remove a tick, even if your pet appears to
be fine and healthy, you should contact your vet
for advice. Be sure to keep a close eye on your
pet over the following days as the effects from
a removed tick may take time to present. Try to
keep them quiet and avoid extreme stress for
a few days. If your pet becomes unwell or starts
to show any signs of tick paralysis or poisoning
contact your veterinarian immediately, do not
wait overnight! Even though the tick has been
removed the toxins may already be in the
bloodstream and can make the animal very
sick and even cause death, very quickly.
As always prevention is best! There are a large
number of tick preventative products available for
dogs and cats ranging from spot-on treatments,
to chewable tablets and collars. Always follow the
directions on the product you are using, paying
close attention to the dosage interval for the
particular tick you are trying to prevent.
For further information on ticks or the signs
that your pet might have a tick please visit
the vet-n-pet DIRECT Help Centre.
Here are some tips on how to remove a tick from
your pet:
