There are many myths surrounding removal of ticks buried in dog’s skin or paws. Ticks often get embedded deep in the dog’s skin causing itchy rash and red, irritated skin. The dogs that are extremely sensitive to ticks also tend to scratch continuously causing hair loss or even anxiety symptoms. It is summertime and that means ticks are rampant in the areas surrounding your home. If you live in a grassy or woody region, then you need to be even more scrupulous in checking your dog for embedded ticks. Spring and summer months are active periods for ticks; they literally go on a feeding and reproducing spree. Your poor dog tends to fall victim to these critters. As a pet owner, it is your duty to avoid procrastination in removing ticks buried in the dog’s skin. Ticks can lead to various diseases including tick bite Lyme disease that produces debilitating symptoms for years to come.
Removing embedded ticks in dogs
Removal of ticks from dog’s skin is a harrowing process for both, the dog and their owners. Most dogs try to bite the person removing the tick or they might even try to hide or run away from them. Some dogs are cooperative though, and removing ticks embedded in their skin is a lot easier process. If your dog is showing signs of anxiety while removing ticks embedded in its ear, paw or any other part on the body, try to speak soothingly to it. You can even distract it using some tricks or dog treats. Each time you remove a tick buried deep in the dog’s skin, you could give it a treat. Whether there is a single tick embedded in the dog’s skin or several, you need to grasp the parasites firmly using a pair of tweezers. Tick removal is tricky since embedded body/mouth parts of the tick could cause many diseases in the pet. So, you must ensure removing the tick completely.
You can either use tweezers or tick keys that are readily available in stores, both online and offline. Firmly grasp the tick closer to the pet’s body and remove the embedded tick entirely. Try not to twist or pinch the tick as this could cause the tick to squeeze out blood which could again lead to infection in you or your pet. If needed, you can ease the process further by holding a swab of cotton-wool soaked in mineral oil on the tick and then remove it using the tweezers. You can even use some olive oil in case you do not have mineral oil stocked at home.
Myths regarding removal of ticks buried in dogs skin
There are many folk remedies pertaining to tick removal in dogs-some of these are downright dangerous and must be avoided at all costs. Remedies like burning the tick using a match, or dousing the tick in petroleum jelly or alcohol simply do not work and can even harm your pet.
Then there are pet owners who try and use freezing gels to ‘freeze dry’ the ticks. This is also a dangerous home remedy for tick removal.Only if you seek vet-approved tick-freezing liquids, and perform the procedure under expert care, should you go ahead with such tick removal methods. Otherwise, it is best to use the tweezers method of tick removal for removing ticks buried in the dog’s paw or skin.
Tick prevention using products and regular grooming
The best way of preventing ticks from getting under your dog’s skin is to regularly groom your pet carefully. If your dog is especially hairy, part the hair carefully to watch out for embedded ticks. If possible, bathe the dog weekly using tick repelling shampoos. Spot-on tick treatments like methoprene or Cypermethrin based products are also effective for tick prevention in dogs. Tick collars are also known to help repel both, fleas and ticks. On this website, we have discussed several tick repellent remedies, both natural and chemical based, to help you repel ticks from your pet. Every pet is different and reacts differently to various tick repellents available in the market. So, work with your vet to find the best tick prevention remedies for your beloved dog.Tick prevention also entails avoiding areas that have ticks. Do avoid taking your dog out for walks in grassy trails or bushy woody areas. If this is unavoidable, at least conduct a full body check of both yourself and your pet to catch ticks buried in its paws or skin. If you follow the correct tick removal procedure described above, your pet should be fine. If however you are concerned, take your pet to the vet immediately. Watch out for symptoms like rash, fever, lethargy, muscle weakness and changes in its bark. If these occur, do not hesitate in calling your vet immediately.
