How to Identify and Remove Ticks on Dogs Safely
- Paws Academy
- Jun 7
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Ticks might be tiny, but they can cause big trouble for your dog. These little bloodsuckers latch on, feed off your pet, and carry diseases that could impact your dog’s health if left unchecked. Whether you live in the countryside, frequent the beach, or just enjoy park walks with your dog, it’s important to understand how to spot ticks, how to remove them correctly, and when to contact your vet.
In this blog, we’ll break down what ticks are, where they come from, how to safely remove them, and what signs to watch out for after removal. Let’s dive into it.
What Exactly Are Ticks?
Ticks are parasitic arachnids, more closely related to spiders than insects. They feed on the blood of animals, including dogs, cats, and even humans. You’ll most commonly find them in grassy, wooded, or overgrown areas, although they can also be picked up in urban green spaces.
They’re not always easy to see. Unfed ticks are about the size of a sesame seed, while engorged ticks (after feeding) can swell up to the size of a pea. They attach themselves by burrowing their head into your dog’s skin, usually favouring areas like behind the ears, under the collar, between the toes or in skin folds.
Why Are Ticks a Problem for Dogs?
It’s not just the bite that’s the issue. Ticks can transmit several diseases that can affect both dogs and humans. In Ireland and the UK, the biggest concern is Lyme disease, caused by a bacterium carried by certain tick species. Other infections, such as anaplasmosis or babesiosis, while less common here, are increasingly seen due to increased travel and climate changes.
Early symptoms of tick-borne diseases can be vague — tiredness, lameness, or loss of appetite. Left untreated, these can lead to more serious health issues. This is why regular tick checks and prompt removal are vital.
How to Check Your Dog for Ticks
Getting into the habit of checking your dog for ticks is one of the best things you can do after outdoor walks, especially in high-risk areas.
Run your hands slowly over your dog’s entire body. You’re feeling for small bumps or knots in the fur. Ticks can be tiny, so go slowly, paying extra attention to areas where the fur is thinner or where ticks like to hide — under the collar, inside the ears, around the tail base, and between the toes.
If you spot a small, dark lump that wasn’t there before, don’t panic. It might be a tick — and with the right method, you can remove it safely.
How to Remove a Tick from Your Dog — Safely
If you find a tick, your first instinct might be to pull it out with your fingers or tweezers, but this can cause more harm than good. Here’s how to remove it safely:
Use a proper tick remover
Pick up a tick removal tool from your local vet or pet shop. These tools are specially designed to remove the tick completely, including the head, without squeezing the body. Squeezing can force infected material into your dog’s bloodstream.
Follow these steps:
Part your dog’s fur so you can see the tick clearly.
Position the tick remover as close to the skin as possible, under the tick’s body.
Twist the remover slowly in one direction (not back and forth).
Continue twisting until the tick detaches. This may take a few turns.
Once removed, check that the entire tick (especially the head) has come away.
Place the tick in a sealed container or tape it to a piece of paper. In case your dog shows signs of illness later, your vet might want to identify the tick species.
What You Should Never Do
Avoid old-school advice like burning the tick off, covering it in Vaseline, or using alcohol. These methods might cause the tick to burrow deeper or regurgitate into your dog’s skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Aftercare — What to Do Once the Tick Is Out
Clean the bite site with a gentle antiseptic and keep an eye on it over the next few days. Some redness or slight swelling is normal, but if the area becomes hot, oozes pus, or your dog starts licking or scratching excessively, speak to your vet.
More importantly, monitor your dog’s overall behaviour. Any changes in energy levels, appetite, mobility, or mood should be taken seriously. Let your vet know if your dog becomes unusually quiet, stiff, or disinterested in walks or food.
When You Should Call the Vet
If you’re unsure whether the tick has been fully removed, or if the area becomes red or swollen, it’s best to check in with your vet.
You should also contact them if:
You notice more than one tick
Your dog starts limping or seems unwell within a few weeks of the bite
The tick bite site shows signs of infection
You’re not comfortable removing the tick yourself
Veterinary professionals can also advise if a Lyme disease vaccination is suitable, especially if you live in or frequently visit high-risk areas.
Can You Prevent Ticks?
No method is 100% foolproof, but there are several ways to reduce the risk:
Tick preventatives: These include spot-on treatments, tick collars, oral tablets, and sprays. Your vet can advise which product is best suited to your dog’s age, health status, and lifestyle.
Avoid tick-heavy areas: In warmer months, be mindful of letting your dog roam through long grass or dense woodland. If you do, check them thoroughly when you get home.
Regular grooming: Brushing your dog regularly not only keeps their coat healthy but also gives you a chance to check for ticks before they latch on too long.
Are Ticks More Common at Certain Times?
Ticks are most active in spring and summer, although due to milder winters, many remain active year-round. Always keep your dog’s tick prevention up to date, regardless of the season.
Can Humans Catch Ticks from Dogs?
Ticks don’t jump from dogs to humans, but a tick brought into the home on your dog’s fur can potentially transfer to you. That’s why regular checks and removal are important, for everyone’s safety.
What About Puppies or Elderly Dogs?
Tick bites can be more serious for puppies, seniors, or dogs with existing health issues. Their immune systems might not fight off infections as efficiently, and they might show symptoms sooner. Extra care and quicker vet consultation are advised in these cases.
A Note on Travel
If you’re planning to travel with your dog, especially to countries where tick-borne diseases are more prevalent (such as those in mainland Europe), make sure your dog’s parasite prevention plan is tailored to the destination. Some ticks abroad carry diseases not commonly found in Ireland or the UK.
Your vet can advise on what to watch for and how to stay safe.
In Summary
Finding a tick on your dog can be stressful, but with the right knowledge and tools, it doesn’t have to be. Prompt removal, proper technique, and a watchful eye are key. And remember, your vet is always there to guide you if you’re unsure or worried at any stage.
Need Support with Your Dog’s Wellbeing?
At Paws Academy, we’re not just here to help with training. We care about the full picture of your dog’s health and happiness. If you’re ever unsure about your dog’s behaviour after a tick bite or need a second opinion, don’t hesitate to reach out.
We offer both in-person and virtual consultations, wherever you are in the world.
