What Do Ticks Look Like on Pets?

Gather Your Supplies - Before you begin, make sure you pop some gloves on to protect yourself and have your tick hook to hand. These handy tools are available at pet shops and online retailers. You'll also need a container with a lid to dispose of the tick and some antiseptic solution for cleaning the area afterward.

Position the Tick Hook - Hold the tick hook like a pen, with the curved end facing the tick's body. The goal is to slide the hook under the tick, as close to your pet's skin as possible, without squeezing or crushing the tick.

Gentle Turning Motion - With the tick hook in place, gently turn the tool in a slow and steady motion. This should cause the tick to release its grip on your pet's skin. Keep the motion smooth and avoid any sudden movements.

Tick Removal - As the tick starts to let go, continue turning the tick hook until the tick is completely detached. Be patient; the process might take a few rotations. Once the tick is free, carefully lift the tick hook and the tick away from your pet's skin.

Clean and Disinfect - After successful tick removal, clean the area with antiseptic solution to prevent any potential infection. You can also clean the tick hook with disinfectant before storing it away for future use.

Using a tick hook can be particularly helpful for those times when a tick is deeply embedded or when you want to ensure complete tick removal. It's a gentle method that minimises the risk of leaving any tick parts behind, reducing the chance of infection and irritation for your pet.

Remember, while a tick hook is a handy tool, always approach tick removal calmly and with care. If you're unsure or uncomfortable, don't hesitate to seek the assistance of a vet.

Use Tick Preventatives - Use a vet-approved spot-on treatment like Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats. Itch Flea Treatment kills adult ticks attached to your pet and lice within 48 hours!

Keep Grass and Shrubs Trimmed - Regularly mow your lawn and trim shrubs to reduce tick-friendly habitats in your garden.

Avoid Tick-Prone Areas - When taking your pets for walks, try to avoid tall grass and wooded areas, where ticks tend to hangout.

Check and Groom Regularly - Regularly check your pets for ticks, and groom them with a fine-toothed comb to help spot any ticks that might be hiding in your pet’s floof!

Use Tick-Repellent Sprays - Consider using tick-repellent sprays designed for pets, especially when venturing into tick-prone areas.

Treat Your Garden - If ticks are a recurring issue for you and your pets, consider treating your garden with pet-safe tick repellents or hiring professional pest control services.