How to Remove a Tick from a Dog at Home

Have you ever run your hand through your dog’s fur after coming in from a walk, hike, or playing outside and felt something small and suspicious? Ticks are a common concern for pet parents—especially during warmer months—and knowing how to get a tick off a dog safely at home can make all the difference.

Let’s walk through what a tick looks like on a dog, how to remove it safely, and what you can do to help prevent future bites.

What Does a Tick Look Like on a Dog?

At first glance, a tick might look like a small skin tag, a dark bump, or even a bit of dirt stuck to your dog’s skin.

If you’re unsure, gently part the fur and take a closer look. A tick will feel firm to the touch and may have tiny legs near the attachment point.

How to Get a Tick Off a Dog: Step-by-Step

Removing a tick might feel intimidating, but it’s something you can do at home with a calm approach and the right tools.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Keep Your Dog Still

Try to keep your dog relaxed—give them a treat or have a friend gently hold them still. Staying calm yourself helps too.

Step 2: Grab the Tick Close to the Skin

Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible. Avoid pinching your dog’s skin in the process.

Step 3: Pull Straight, Steady, and Slow

With a gentle, even motion, pull the tick straight out. Avoid twisting or jerking—it can cause the mouthparts to break off and stay in the skin.

Step 4: Dispose of the Tick

Drop the tick in a sealed bag or container with rubbing alcohol to kill it. Don’t crush it with your fingers.

Step 5: Clean the Area

Wash your hands and clean the bite site with antiseptic. Keep an eye on the spot over the next few days—if you notice redness, swelling, or discharge, talk to your vet.

For Lyme disease specifically (which is a consideration with some of the types of ticks found in North America) one sign is redness that looks like a bullseye on a dartboard around the site of the tick bite. It's referred to as a "bullseye mark". It doesn't always happen if Lyme disease has been transmitted, but if it does, it's pretty much indicative of Lyme disease.

Step 6: Document the Tick for Your Vet

Take a picture of the tick once it's removed and of the bite site. This, along with documenting when the tick was found and where it was when your dog picked up the tick, is important in identifying the tick and what possible diseases it may have transmitted if you need to call the vet.

What Not to Do When Removing a Tick

It’s tempting to try old-school methods like burning the tick or smothering it with oil or Vaseline. These can actually cause the tick to burrow deeper or release more saliva—raising the risk of infection or disease. Stick with mechanical removal—it’s the safest option.

Tick Prevention for Dogs

Here are a few tips to help keep your pup tick-free:

When to Call Your Vet

If your dog shows any signs of illness in the days or weeks after a tick bite—like fever, joint pain, low energy, or appetite changes—it’s best to check in with your vet. Some tick-borne diseases take time to show symptoms, and early treatment matters.

It’s also imperative to call your vet if you are not successful at removing the tick in one piece and the head is still burrowed. If the head stays in the skin, it can cause an infection.

Sarah GotfridCustomer Care Specialist at Petcurean

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to remove a tick from a dog at home is empowering. It means you can act quickly, stay calm, and protect your pup with confidence. With regular checks, simple tools, and some good habits, ticks won’t stand a chance.