– 5 minutes
Table of contents
- Why is it important to remove a tick as soon as possible?
- What is the safest way to remove a tick from a dog or cat?
- 10 best ways to get rid of and prevent ticks in dogs
- What should pet parents do after removing a tick?
- What are the signs of tick-borne diseases in pets to watch out for?
- Why safe tick removal matters
- Tick removal in cats
- Covered against ticks?
- Meet Our Vet of the Month
We teamed up with our Vet of the Month, Dr Dean McGee from Florandia Dierekliniek in Pretoria, to share expert advice on how to remove a tick from a dog and keep your furry family safe.
And while you’re busy checking fur, brushing coats, and stocking up on treats, dotsure.co.za pet insurance can help with the financial side of unexpected treatment if your pet develops a tick bite complication or parasite-related illness. Plus, with wellness benefit add-ons that support proactive preventative care, staying ahead of tick season becomes a whole lot easier.
Why is it important to remove a tick as soon as possible?
“Ticks transfer parasites to pets, and their bites can also result in skin infections.”
What is the safest way to remove a tick from a dog or cat?
“By using a dog or cat deticking apparatus, ensuring the removal of the head and mouthparts. Do not just pull them off. This could result in micro-abscessation and also transfer of parasites.”
10 best ways to get rid of and prevent ticks in dogs
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep ticks from turning your pooch into an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Spot-on treatments
These monthly treatments are one of the easiest ways to protect your dog from ticks and fleas. You apply them directly to your dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades, and they get to work keeping parasites away for weeks (e.g., Frontline Plus, Vectra 3D).
Oral Medications
Monthly oral tick medications can be super effective at killing ticks and interrupting flea life cycles too (e.g., NexGard, Bravecto).
Shampoos
A medicated tick shampoo can help kill ticks on contact and leave your dog smelling less like a “wet rugby sock.” The catch? You’ll need to repeat treatments more regularly, usually every couple of weeks during peak tick season (e.g., pyrethrins).
Tick dips
Tick dips are strong concentrated treatments diluted with water and applied over your dog’s coat. Because the chemicals can be quite intense, they’re not ideal for tiny puppies, pregnant pets, or sensitive dogs. Definitely check with your vet beforehand.
Tick collars
Tick collars can help repel ticks, especially around the neck and head area. They work by transferring protective chemicals through your dog’s fur and skin over time.
Powders
Tick powders can help kill and repel ticks, but application requires a gentle hand. Always make sure the powder is specifically designed for your pet and safe for their age. Keep it away from eyes, noses and mouths.
Tick sprays
Tick sprays are great for quick protection, especially before hikes, camping trips, or bush adventures where ticks love to lurk like tiny little ambush predators. Sprays can also be useful between shampoos or other treatments.
Treat the house and lawn
Sometimes the problem isn’t your dog. It’s their entire social circle, aka your garden. Keeping grass short, trimming bushes, and cleaning outdoor areas can help reduce tick populations dramatically. If the infestation is hectic, yard treatments or professional pest control may help. Just make sure any products used are pet-safe.
Check your dog regularly
After walks, hikes, or garden zoomies, do a quick tick inspection. Think of it as a post-adventure security check. Look:
- Between the toes
- Inside the ears
- Around the neck
- Under the legs
- Deep in the fur.
If you spot a tick early, you can often prevent bigger health problems before they start.
Keep dogs indoors during peak tick times
We’re not saying your dog must become a full-time couch potato. But limiting long outdoor adventures during heavy tick season can reduce exposure. Shorter supervised outings plus preventative treatments can make a massive difference.
Always check with your veterinarian to choose the safest option for your dog’s age and weight, particularly in homes with both dogs and cats, as some dog treatments are fatal to cats.
What should pet parents do after removing a tick?
“Disinfect the area with a dog-or-cat-friendly disinfectant (e.g., F10) and safely dispose of the tick, as pets sometimes eat them. If there is a reddened swelling where the tick was, irritation around the skin, or an ulcer-like sore, and the swelling spreads or doesn’t heal in a few days, a trip to the vet is needed.”
What are the signs of tick-borne diseases in pets to watch out for?
“Lethargy and inappetence with fever. You should also keep an eye out for:
- Pale gums
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness or collapse.
If you spot these symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your vet immediately.”
Why safe tick removal matters
Ticks can pass on diseases, such as Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis, sometimes within hours of biting. These illnesses can be fatal if untreated, so early removal and prevention are your best defence.
Preventing tick trouble beyond medication
- Wash your pet’s bedding weekly in hot water.
- Keep your lawn trimmed to reduce tick habitats.
- Do a tick check after every walk in grassy or bushy areas.
Tick removal in cats
Cats are just as vulnerable, but their thinner skin makes removal trickier. Always be gentle, and if you’re unsure, get your vet to do it safely.
Covered against ticks?
Ticks might be small, but the vet bills they cause aren’t. Now that you know how to remove a tick from dogs and cats, it’s time to protect them with dotsure.co.za pet insurance. Get a free quote online or contact us for more info.
Meet Our Vet of the Month
Tell us a little more about yourself and what you do.
“I am a small animal veterinarian. Most of my work is in general practice, but I enjoy orthopaedic surgery.”
What inspired you to become a vet, and what do you love most about the profession?
“My love for animals and an interest in farming, especially beef cattle. I gain satisfaction from alleviating pain and suffering in animals.”
Do you have any pets at home?
“I have a standard poodle named Watson. He is a rescue but has adapted well to our routine, especially enjoying our farm visits.”
