How to Remove a Tick From a Dog's Tail

Ticks show up during the warmer months of the year. Dog owners often find these insects on their dog during a routine grooming session or while spending time petting their canine companions. Removing a tick is a delicate procedure. If the body of the tick is punctured or popped, the dog may suffer an infection. Remove ticks safely and carefully to reduce the risk of just such an event.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Latex gloves
  • Tweezers
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Jar
  • Soap
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fasten your dog's leash to his collar. Grasp the leash firmly to restrain your dog. Some dogs panic when their tails are examined or fussed with. If you do not feel you can adequately distract your dog, enlist the help of a friend to restrain your dog and keep him calm.

    • 2

      Wear a pair of latex or nitrile gloves. Not only does this reduce the chance of infectious or irritating biological material coming into contact with any open wounds on your hands, it also allows you to keep a firm grip on the tick and instruments you are using, particularly if your hands are sweaty.

    • 3

      Grasp the base of your dog's tail gently. Apply enough pressure to ensure that the tail does not move while you are removing the tick.

    • 4

      Search out the spot where the tick has attached to your dog's body. Part the hair around the tick to allow clear access to the area.

    • 5

      Use a pair of fine point tweezers to remove the tick. Position the tweezers at the point on the tick's body where it enters your dog's body, usually the head. Do not grasp the abdomen, as this increases the likelihood of the tick bursting, according to the Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians.

    • 6

      Grasp the tick firmly and pull the tweezers away from your dog in one slow, steady motion. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this may make removal more difficult.

    • 7

      Dispose of the tick in a jar of rubbing alcohol. Thoroughly wash the dog's tail at the site of the tick bite. Remove your gloves and scrub your hands as well.