Prevention Prevention is key to avoiding tick-borne disease in dogs. This can be achieved by using tick-preventive medications such as Bravecto, Seresto collars, Simparica Trio, and Revolution. You can also check your dog for ticks regularly and avoid areas with high tick populations. Since tick-borne diseases can also affect humans, it's important to protect yourself too.
How to Remove a Tick
1. What You’ll Need:
• Gloves
• Rubbing alcohol or other disinfectant
• One of the following: PetVet Medic Tick Remover card (included in the PetVet Medic First Aid Kit or sold separately) or Tweezers
2. Removing the Tick:
• Put on gloves
• If using the PetVet Medic Tick Remover card:
- Choose the appropriate slot—small or large—depending on the size of the tick.
- Approach the tick from behind, sliding the notched edge under the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Gently push the card forward and upward with slow, steady pressure until the tick detaches.
- Use the built-in magnifier to carefully inspect the bite area and ensure the tick’s head has been fully removed.
• If using tweezers:
- Grasp the tick as close to your pet’s skin as possible, without pinching the skin.
- Pull slowly and straight out—avoid twisting or jerking.
- If the mouthparts remain, use tweezers to try and gently remove them.
3. After Removal:
• Disinfect the bite site with rubbing alcohol or another disinfectant.
• Dispose of the tick by placing it in a sealed container with rubbing alcohol, or flushing it down the toilet.
4. Monitor Your Pet:
• Watch for signs of illness, such as lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite.
• If the tick was engorged (see photo), and you are in a Lyme-endemic area, contact your veterinarian about testing or starting preventive treatment.

Photo of Engorged Tick

An engorged tick is a tick that has fed on a host's blood and is full of blood. The tick's color may change from brown or black to grayish or reddish due to the blood. Due to its increased size and engorgement, an engorged tick can be more difficult to remove than an unengorged tick.