Engorged tick on dog: Is it safe to wait 3 hours for vet removal?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ticks can be very painful as their saliva has some substances in it that cause digestion of the tissues, so Leia may not be letting you remove the tick due to the discomfort. I recommend having your vet remove the tick, as they can sedate Leia if necessary. I do not recommend letting the tick come out on it's own as ticks tend to carry dangerous diseases and can cause skin infections.

It will likely drop off after about 72 hours, but it is best to remove it as soon as possible to decrease the risk of tickborne disease transmission. Be sure to perform tick checks each time your dog returns from outdoors. https://www.petcoach.co/article/tick-removal/

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.

If you can't get him to a vet clinic to have the tick removed, you can try doing so at home by following the information at the link below: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-remove-tick-from-dog/ I recommend you wear gloves while removing the tick and wash your hands after removing it, as ticks can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans. Put the tick in an airtight container to take to your vet so they can identify it and see if it is one of the kinds that can carry Lyme disease or other diseases.

As long as the area on Miley's skin looks okay (no significant redness or swelling), then you don't need to take her to the vet right away after finding an attached tick. If the tick was attached for long enough to transmit disease, like Lyme disease, Ehrlichia or Anaplasma, then it takes about 6 months for a blood test to diagnose an infection. Unfortunately, there are no measures to take to stop any of these diseases if she's already been infected. I would certainly mention this tick attachment to Miley's vet the next time she goes in for an exam because her vet will most likely recommend running a tick-borne disease blood test about 6 months from the date of tick exposure. In the long run, definitely add some tick prevention in for Miley. Seresto collars, K9 Advantix II, Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica or Credelio are all great options to discuss with your vet. I hope this helps and that everything goes well!

Hi there, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear about Sheba's little butt problem. I wouldn't mess with the remaining ticks, as if she's not letting you get them, you could potentially pull off their bodies and leave the heads, which could cause further irritation or infection. If you just gave the Bravecto, give it some time to work - it can take 12 hours to kill ticks that have latched on. If they aren't gone by tomorrow morning, let the vet take a look. This isn't an emergency right now, although it may give you the heebie-jeebies. Good luck, and I hope that Sheba's little friends die quickly!

Yes you should be able to remove it at home, just ensure that you remove it completely as twisting can potentially cause the mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin, if you have any doubts your veterinary clinic should be able to assist you. I would also recommend that you speak to your veterinary clinic regarding a tick prevention regime to prevent further ticks in the future and to discuss possible diseases in your area that could be contracted and if your pet maybe at risk.