Ask the Vet: How to Deal with Ticks

By: Dr. Ylva Bostrom

Before you know it Spring will be upon us.  With that comes the reemergence of that nasty little pest, the tick.  The tick is a source (“vector”) of many diseases for our furry family members.  Since introducing routine screening of dogs at the Animal Clinic of Clifton, I have seen an astounding number of dogs (27%) who have tested positive for Lyme disease exposure.  Remember at your next veterinary visit to ask the doctor what method may be best for your pet to try to limit exposure to ticks and the clinical diseases they can cause.

To remove an attached tick from your dog or cat’s skin:

• Wear gloves, or use a tissue or gauze, to avoid coming into contact with the tick. Gloves are preferred because ticks can transmit numerous diseases. Fine tipped tweezers can be used.
• Grasp the tick as close to the skin of your pet as possible and pull straight up. Avoid crushing the tick. Gentle steady pulling.
• Place the tick in a small container with rubbing alcohol in order to kill it.  Ticks are resilient. Do NOT flush a live tick down the toilet, or put it in the trash. They can crawl away and reattach to you or your pet. 
• When done, clean the site with soap and water or rubbing alcohol, avoiding the eyes.
• Wash your hands well.
• If you choose, the staff at your veterinary clinic can assist you in this process.