Finding a tick on your dog or cat is always unsettling. Even if your pet is regularly treated with parasite repellent, at the height of the season, just a few minutes of walking on the grass is enough – and the tick has already been sucked on. It is important not to panic, but also not to delay. A tick bite is a potential threat to life, and only a quick and correct reaction saves you from big problems. In this article we will look at what not to do and how to get a tick.

What absolutely must not be done

When you see a tick, the first thought is to quickly get rid of it by any means necessary. But this is where most owners make serious mistakes:

  • do not drip oil, alcohol or other liquids on the tick – this provokes the parasite to inject more saliva with the infection

  • do not try to remove it with fingers or fingernails – often the head remains inside the skin

  • do not pull sharply, without control – this can only make things worse

How to remove a tick correctly?

The best thing to do is to go to a veterinarian. But if this is not possible, proceed carefully at home. You will need fine tweezers or a special hook, which can be found at a pharmacy, vet store or V.O.G DOG SALON. The tick should be grasped as close to the skin as possible, without squeezing its body, and gently twist, without jerking. After that, be sure to treat the site of the bite antiseptic – chlorhexidine, miramistin or hydrogen peroxide. Do not use alcohol or ointments – they are unnecessary and can irritate the skin. Do not throw away the tick itself – put it in a jar or a tightly closed bag with a damp cloth, so that in case of symptoms you will be able to pass it on for analysis.

When to see a veterinarian immediately

Sometimes dangerous diseases can manifest as early as 24-48 hours after the bite. The following symptoms should be of concern:

  • lethargy, drowsiness

  • refusal to eat

  • fever

  • dark or red urine

  • Shaky gait, weakness in the paws

In such cases, you can’t wait until tomorrow – some diseases, like babesiosis, develop lightning fast and count by hours. The sooner treatment is started, the better the chances for a full recovery.

How to help at V.O.G DOG SALON.

In our salons, the groomers always examine the animal carefully after washing and drying. This is the moment when it is easiest to spot a tick. If we find a parasite – we remove it with a special tool, painlessly and correctly. The bite site is disinfected, and the tick itself is handed over to the owner in a tightly closed bag. If there is a suspected risk, we advise how to proceed.

Conclusion

A tick is a big risk. But if you act clearly, carefully and without panic – everything will be fine. The main thing: do not hesitate, follow the instructions and do not neglect professional help. And in V.O.G DOG SALON we are always there to support you and your Tail, even in such alarming situations.