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My dog has a tick. Should I remove it myself or wait for the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Havanese | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 4 days old

I found a tick on Kiba's head. Vets aren't working until Tuesday. Can I remove it myself? I've never done it and I'm nervous about it. Is it dangerous to wait until Tuesday?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 29th, 2017

It's best that this tick if removed from Kiba now to prevent it from feeding on him and possibly passing along disease. You will need tweezers, disinfectant, and isopropyl alcohol. Use the tweezers to grasp the tick firmly as close to Kiba's skin as possible and pull straight up. Do not twist, pull upwards in a steady and straight motion. Twisting it could leave parts behind, and it's very important to remove all of the tick. If the head remains embedded, then Kiba has to see a vet as soon as possible to get it removed. Should you get all of the tick out, drop the tick into a container of isopropyl alcohol to kill it, and clean the area with antiseptic soap. Keep an eye on the area where the tick was, and if it becomes infected or irritated, Kiba will need to see a vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jeffrey Milner
Veterinarian
I would definitely try to remove it sooner than that if possible. If you go to Wal-Mart or any pet store, there is a product called a tick twister as well as tick tornado. Both of these are absolutely fabulous products that we use regularly at our hospital. It is usually really inexpensive like under 15 dollars. If you can't get to one of these stores, a less ideal solution would be to use hemostats or tweezers, grabbing as close to the base of the parasite as possible. I would strongly recommend the former however, as you will be much more likely to get the entire tick.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
I would recommend to remove it. It is pretty easy and you do not need anything special to remove it. Follow this link for instruction: http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/how-to-remove-tick-from-dog/

Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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