The Complete Guide to Ticks on Dogs
How to remove ticks safely, identify them accurately, and protect your pup
Ticks aren’t just creepy, they can transmit serious diseases to dogs (and sometimes people). Quick, correct removal and knowing what kind of tick you’re dealing with can make a big difference.
This guide covers safe removal methods, tick identification, and what to watch for after a bite, so you’re ready whether you’re at home, on a hike, or traveling.
A dog walking through autumn leaves, a reminder that ticks can hide in leaf litter even on cool days.How to Safely Remove a Tick From Your Dog
Based on CDC guidance, AKC, and veterinary best practices)
Items to Gather
- Gloves*
- Alcohol wipes* or pet-safe antiseptic
-
Tick remover tool:
- Tick Remover Card*
- Fine-tipped tweezers
- TickKey-style tool
- Optional: small sealed container or jar of rubbing alcohol (an empty Mini Kit pill organizer compartment can also work)
* These items are included in The Uh-Oh Mini Kit
Before You Start
- Put on gloves.
- Calm your dog and, if possible, have someone help hold them steady.
- Part your dog’s fur to expose the tick.
Use a Vet-Approved Removal Method
Tick Removal Card
- Slide the notch of the card under the tick, between the tick and the skin.
- Gently slide forward until the tick’s mouth is caught at the narrowest point of the notch.
- Lift the card at a slight upward angle to remove the tick in one motion.
Fine-Tipped Tweezers
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible — aim for the head, not the body.
- Pull straight out with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk.
TickKey-Style Tool 
- Place the large end of the key over the tick.
- Slide the narrow slot toward the tick until it’s secured at the smallest point of the opening.
- Keep sliding in the same direction to lift the tick straight out.
After Removal
- Clean the bite site with an alcohol wipe or pet-safe antiseptic.
- Take a photo of the tick. If you have our Tick Remover Card, place the tick next to the millimeter scale for size reference.
- Dispose of the tick or save it in a sealed container with alcohol for ID/testing.
- Monitor your dog for 1 to 9 weeks for signs of illness, and call your veterinarian if any are noticed.
Why Snap a Tick Pic?
Tick testing can be costly, but snapping a photo is fast, free, and surprisingly helpful. A single picture documents key details that matter — and can help your vet identify the tick type, how long it’s been attached, and whether follow-up testing is needed.
Size
Larger ticks are often adults, which are easier to identify and may carry different risks than tiny nymphs.
Stage of Growth
(Larva, nymph, adult) Nymphs, though small, are responsible for many infections because they’re harder to spot.
Feeding Stage
A flat tick may have just attached, while an engorged tick may have been feeding for days, which raises the risk of disease transmission.
Date Removed
A time-stamped photo helps your vet judge the incubation window for tick-borne diseases and decide when to test.
Tick Type
Different species carry different diseases (see reference right).
Gender
In some species, females are more likely to transmit pathogens.
Tick Species Reference
Tap or click a tick below to see its identifying details and male/female differences.
Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick)
Scientific Name: Ixodes scapularis
Region: Northeast, Upper Midwest
Hosts: Dogs, deer, humans
Diseases: Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis
Appearance: Reddish-brown with dark legs.
Female: Reddish-orange body with black scutum; enlarges when engorged.
Male: Smaller, dark brown, rarely engorges.
Based on CDC and Mayo Clinic data.
Trusted Sources
CDC
Tick Identification & Removal
Step-by-step guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on safe tick removal and tick-borne diseases.
Visit CDC →AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
Tick Safety
Practical advice for dog owners on spotting ticks, removing them safely, and reducing risks to pets.
Visit AKC →MAYO CLINIC
Tick Overview
A medical overview of tick-related illnesses, symptoms to watch for, and prevention strategies for humans and pets.
Visit Mayo Clinic →AVMA
Tick Prevention
Veterinary-backed guidance on protecting pets from ticks, fleas, and other external parasites.
Visit AVMA →Prevention
The surest way to protect your dog from tick-borne disease is to prevent bites altogether. A few simple steps make a big difference (AVMA):
- Use vet-approved tick preventives (oral, topical, or collar).
- Check your dog daily after walks in grass, brush, or woods.
- Keep grass trimmed and remove leaf litter in your yard.
- Avoid high-risk tick areas during peak season.
Regular use of vet-approved tick preventives helps protect your dog from bites and tick-borne diseases.Preparedness
Even with the best prevention, no method is foolproof. That’s why it’s just as important to be prepared if a tick does attach. The Uh-Oh Mini Kit includes everything you need to remove a tick quickly and safely, including:
-
A veterinary-approved Tick Remover Card with step-by-step instructions, a millimeter scale, and a quick ID guide
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Gloves to keep your hands protected
-
Alcohol wipes to clean the bite site after removal
- A thermometer to check for fever — one of the earliest signs of illness
-
An instruction booklet (also available as a downloadable version) with detailed info on tick-borne diseases, prevention tips, and when to contact your vet
🐾 Be ready for tick season: The Uh-Oh Mini Kit packs both prevention know-how and hands-on tools into one leash-ready pouch.
👉 Preorder The Uh-Oh Mini Kit today and make sure you’re prepared the next time your dog brings home an unwanted hitchhiker.
Dr. Nicolette Meredith, DVM is an emergency veterinarian and co-founder of Puppylation Health. She’s passionate about giving pet parents the confidence and tools they need to handle everyday “uh-ohs” with calm and care. Her expertise fuels everything from The Uh-Oh Kit to our new wellness series, Vet Tips, No Trips.
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