How to Safely Remove a Tick from Your Dog or Cat

If you're here, chances are you've just spotted something weird on your dog or cat. Small, hard, stuck in place. And your gut said it before your brain did: tick.

Yeah. That moment sucks.

No one teaches you how to handle this. You just kind of freeze, wonder if you're supposed to burn it off or smother it in oil (you're not), and panic-Google in between staring at your poor pet.  Most pet parents have been there. So, take a breath and go through this.

Because removing ticks from your pet isn’t as dramatic as it feels. But you do need to do it the right way—calm, clean, no shortcuts.

Step One: Don't Freak Out!

First off, your pet is okay. You found the tick, which is already a win.

What you don’t want to do is rush. Yanking or twisting or crushing it can make things worse. Just because it's tiny doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Ticks can carry some nasty diseases, but if you remove them correctly, you reduce the risk big time.

So… take a second. Grab what you need.

The Basic Tools

You probably already have most of this:

• Fine-point tweezers or a tick remover (those little forked tools are great)
• Rubbing alcohol or any strong disinfectant
• Gloves (helpful, but optional)
• Cotton, gauze, or tissue
• A jar or zip bag (for the tick)

Find a quiet time. After a nap, post-walk, or when they’re in their “okay fine I’ll sit still” mood. You know your pet best.

How to Remove the Tick?

Alright, here we go.

1. Part the fur and find the tick’s head—it’ll be attached to the skin.
2. Using tweezers, grab it as close to the skin as possible.
3. Pull straight out, firm and steady. No twisting. Just a clean pull. Don’t squish it.
4. Once it’s out, drop the tick into alcohol. That’ll kill it.
5. Clean the bite site gently. Use antiseptic or whatever your vet recommends.
6. Give your pet a treat. Or two.

That’s it. No fire, no butter, no horror. Just calm, safe tick removal.

What Not to Do

Let’s talk about what you shouldn’t do when dealing with ticks—because there’s bad advice everywhere.

• No matches or lighters: Burning the tick makes it release more saliva or fluids.
• No oils, creams, or nail polish: Suffocating ticks is a weird internet myth.
• Don’t twist or yank: That’s how you leave the head behind.
• Don’t use bare hands: Always grab a tool, and wear gloves if you can.
• Don’t toss the tick: Save it in case symptoms show up and your vet wants to ID it.

Just stick to calm, clean, pet tick removal. That’s the safest route.

What to Watch for Afterwards

Even when removal goes well, keep an eye on your pet for the next week or two.

Things to watch for:

• Lethargy or low energy
• Appetite changes
• Limping or stiffness
• Fever or just "off" behaviour

If something seems wrong—even a little—call your vet. Mention the bite. Show them the tick if you kept it. Early symptoms of tick-borne illnesses can be subtle.

Tick Prevention: What Actually Works?

Once you’ve dealt with one tick, you’ll want to avoid a repeat. The good news? There are trusted products available that help you protect your pets against these harmful parasites.

For Dogs

Bravecto for Dogs

Just one chew protects for up to 12 weeks. You don’t have to think about it again for months.

NexGard for Dogs

A chewable monthly tick-killer that dogs usually take like a treat. Works fast, too.

For Cats

Frontline Plus for Cats

Topical formula applied once a month. Simple to use, effective against ticks and fleas.

Seresto Collar for Cats

Lasts up to 8 months. Water-resistant, odourless, and doesn’t bother most cats at all.

Quick and Useful Tick Removal Tips

• Check your pets after every outdoor walk or play session
• Trim your yard and clean up leaf piles or tall grass
• Don’t assume winter is safe—ticks can be active year-round
• Treat all pets in the home, even indoor ones
• Save the removed ticks for a few days in a sealed bag

These tick removal tips may sound basic, but they make a huge difference over time. Prevention isn’t dramatic—but it works.

Final Thoughts

You’re not a bad pet parent because your dog or cat picked up a tick. It happens. What matters is knowing how to handle it—and being ready next time.

Now you’ve got the tools, the tick removal method, and some legit products that help you avoid this all over again.

It’s not fun. But it’s doable. And next time? You’ll handle it without breaking a sweat.

Shop tick prevention here

Future you (and your pet) will be so glad you did.