Ticks on Dogs: How to Find and Remove Them Safely

Ticks attach to dogs and feed on blood for days, and some carry disease, so finding and removing them promptly matters.

The short answer

Check your dog after walks, running your hands over the body, especially ears, neck, armpits, groin, between toes and under the collar. To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick remover, grasp it close to the skin and pull steadily upward without twisting or squeezing. Clean the area, wash your hands and watch your dog for signs of illness. Call your vet if the head is left behind, or the dog seems unwell.

Where to check

• Ears and around the eyes.
• Neck, under the collar and armpits.
• Between toes and paw pads.
• Groin, belly and tail base.

Removal steps

1. Wear gloves.
2. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick tool.
3. Grasp near the skin and pull steadily up.
4. Do not twist, crush or burn the tick.
5. Clean the bite and your hands.

Afterwards

• Dispose of the tick in a sealed container.
• Watch for fever, lethargy or poor appetite.
• Treat the dog and home as advised.

Do not

• Use oil, petrol or heat to remove ticks.
• Squeeze the body.

When to call a professional

See a vet if your dog seems unwell after a tick bite.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave a tick?

No. Remove it promptly.

What if the head stays?

See a vet.

Do ticks fall off by themselves?

After feeding, but disease can transmit before that.

How do I prevent ticks?

Vet-advised preventives and regular checks.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on tick and flea control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full tick and flea control guide for Bangalore.