How to remove a tick safely from your dog or cat

Finding a tick on your pet is unnerving, but removing one is straightforward when you know the technique. The wrong move (twisting, squeezing, lighting a match) can leave mouthparts behind or push pathogens into the bite.

What you'll need

• Fine-tipped tweezers or a tick hook (preferred)
• Rubbing alcohol or pet-safe antiseptic
• A small jar or piece of tape to contain the tick
• A second person to gently hold your pet (optional)

Step by step

1. Calm your pet. Sit on the floor, talk softly, offer a treat.
2. Part the fur so you can see the bite clearly.
3. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, by the head, not the body.
4. Pull straight up with slow, steady pressure. No twisting. The tick releases in 5–15 seconds.
5. Disinfect the bite site and your tools.
6. Save the tick in tape or alcohol so a vet can identify it if symptoms appear later.

What not to do

• Don't burn it, smother it with Vaseline, or apply essential oils, these make the tick regurgitate into the bite.
• Don't squeeze the body.
• Don't panic if a tiny black dot remains, your pet's body will usually expel it like a splinter.

When to call a vet

Call if the tick was attached >24 hours, the bite area becomes red and warm after a few days, or your pet develops fever, lethargy or joint stiffness in the following weeks. See our tick guide for diseases to watch for.