Ticks carry pathogens that can get into the human bloodstream through the broken skin. Using disposable gloves provides good protection.
So that the tick can be removed quickly, the affected animal must behave calmly. Easier said than done, as dogs and cats generally don’t stay very still, and certainly not when they’re being «tampered with» in an unfamiliar way. Ideally, a second person is present to hold the animal, calm it down and/or distract it with a few treats.
Animals should never be forced to remain still. Some are frightened or aggressive and want to run away. The risk of not removing the entire tick is very high at such moments.
Fine-tipped tweezers are recommended for tick removal. It is applied as close to the animal’s skin as possible without squeezing it. The closer the tip of the tweezers is to the skin, the greater the chance of being able to pull out the entire tick.
The parasite must be fixed with an even pressure. Squeezing the tick would cause it to release its infectious saliva into the dog or cat. Pulling it out with a jerk or – as was common in the past – turning the tick is counterproductive. As a result, the head or the mouthpart (the proboscis) may remain in the host animal. It is better to pull the tick straight up in a slow, steady motion. A look at the tick will show if it has been completely removed. If this is not the case, a veterinarian should immediately take out the rest.
With the disinfectant recommended by the veterinarian for such purposes, the bite site is treated. Pet owners must continue to keep an eye on the affected area and their animal. If the skin remains red or if inflammation develops at the site, the animal should be taken to the veterinarian. Especially when the affected dog or cat shows symptoms such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, etc.