Ticks are small, blood-sucking mites that can transmit serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, to your pet. If you spot a tick on your dog, quick removal can prevent a painful illness.
Instructions
1. Perform a daily check of your dog for ticks, particularly in the spring when ticks are more common.
2. Wear latex gloves to feel your dog's skin for any lumps under his coat. Areas prone to ticks are ears, face, legs and belly. Use a small-toothed flea comb to search for ticks.
3. Look for the tick's brown body (similar to a balloon) protruding from your dog. Ticks range in size from that of a sesame seed to a fingernail when fully engorged.
4. Use pointed tweezers or a tick removal tool with a cut slit on one side and grasp the tick firmly where it has entered your dog's skin. Maintain deliberate and steady pressure as you pull the tick straight out. Never twist the tick and make sure to remove the whole tick.
5. Clean the site with mild soap and water or rubbing alcohol to prevent infection
6. Apply hydrocortisone spray or triple antibiotic ointment to relieve any irritation.
7. Dispose of the tick. Place it in a jar of rubbing alcohol to kill it.
8. Wash your hands thoroughly.
Tags: rubbing alcohol, your skin