Tick Removal

[Masimcox]

As we are in the middle of Tick Season I thought I would share this with you.

Last night after our usual evening walk I noticed 2 ticks on my Spaniel, one on his head and the other on his chest. I have removed ticks the usual way before with a tick removing tool or fine point tweezers but am always worried about leaving parts behind and the risk of infection.

I found this instructable:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-remove-a-tick/

To my amazement it worked with both ticks, the ticks just "walked out", were picked up and destroyed.

Following removal I just bathed the area with a first aid cleansing wipe and washed my hands. It seemed a much easier way to remove them without a tool to hand and got the whole of the tick out without the further risk of infection.

[kent]

It just unscrews them. Seriously they screw themselves in std right hand thread!

[ips]

Are tick removal tools really beter than good old tweezers ?
Currently on hols in north Yorkshire and just had to remove one for the first time. I don't think it had been there long as the body was not enlarged at all. It was under her ear.
Are there specific areas that they attach or can they be found anywhere on your dog.
We used a flea and tick potion on her neck about three weeks ago are these ineffective in reality or worth it. Any advice info gratefully received.

[Stacia]

I saw a photo on Facebook where the tick had attached itself to the dog's gum where the teeth meet the gum! It all depends what flea and tick potion you used, was it one a veterinary surgeon prescribed? Some are more effective than others.

[Tungulria]

I removed a very small tick of my cockers eyelid just last night. And a further 5 from around her head, ears and one from her inside thigh. All had bitten and 2 were really deep. I can twist out with my nails if needs be, tweezers if all else that is available but i really rate the O'tom removers as they get a good grip without damaging the tick and are easily twisted to safely remove. Never left anything behind with one but had a few close calls with plain tweezers.

[Mike A]

Tick hooks are far quicker and easier than tweezers ! Any vet and most pet shops will stock them .
Some spot on's are a lot better than others ,which did you use ?

Head,ears, chest ,armpits( for want of a better description ) but they can attach anywhere .

Mike

[ips]

Many thanks for replies. I can't remember what potion but was from local pet shop. Just bought a removal tool by ancol a sort of hoop thing.

[Mike A]

Get some advantix from your vet is my suggestion . I do mine monthly with it .
Mike

[ips]

Thanks due at vet next week for check up so will ask