How to Remove Ticks from Dogs & Cats (Step-by-Step Guide)
Finding a tick on your pet? Act quickly and calmly. Below is a vet-style, step-by-step guide to safe tick removal—plus the compact tick remover + flea/lice comb we recommend so you can be ready anywhere.
Buy the Tick Remover + Flea/Lice Comb
Before you start
- Stay calm. Panicking increases the chance of breaking the tick.
- Gather supplies: tick remover card with multiple fork sizes, fine flea/lice comb, tissue, pet-safe disinfectant, gloves (optional).
- Good light & visibility: part the fur to the skin.
Step-by-step: remove a tick safely
- Part the fur around the tick until you can clearly see the tick at skin level.
- Select the smallest fork on your tick remover that will slide under the tick’s mouthparts.
- Slide the fork flat against the skin and lift slowly and steadily. Do not twist, squeeze, burn or apply oils/chemicals.
- Confirm removal. Check the tick is intact (head/mouthparts included). If mouthparts remain, contact your vet.
- Clean the area with pet-safe disinfectant. Wash your hands and clean the tool.
- Check the coat with the fine comb for fleas, lice or eggs near the bite area.
Get the compact tick remover + fine comb (credit-card size—keep one in your lead pouch, wallet or first-aid kit).
What NOT to do
- Don’t twist or yank—this can leave mouthparts under the skin.
- Don’t crush the tick—it may push contents into the bite.
- Don’t use oils, alcohol, nail polish or heat to “make it back out.”
Aftercare & monitoring
- Note the date and where on the body you removed the tick.
- Watch for redness, swelling, rash, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite. If seen, contact your vet.
- Use the fine comb to check the coat daily for a few days; consider parasite prevention per vet advice.
Why we recommend a tick remover + flea/lice comb
- Clean removal: multiple fork sizes help you get under the mouthparts cleanly.
- Better follow-up: the ultra-fine comb reveals flea dirt and eggs you might miss.
- Carry everywhere: credit-card size = more likely you’ll have it when you need it most.
Shop the Tick Remover + Flea/Lice Comb
Quick how-to: the fine flea & lice comb
- Comb against the lay of the coat in small sections (neck, tail base, behind ears).
- Wipe on white tissue to spot flea dirt (rust-coloured specks) or eggs.
- Repeat checks in tick/flea season; discuss prevention/treatment with your vet if needed.
FAQ
Does this work on long-haired dogs and cats?
Yes—part to the skin, use the smallest fork, lift slowly; follow up with the fine comb.
Is it safe for puppies and kittens?
Yes with gentle technique. Keep them calm; if unsure, ask your vet to demonstrate.
What if the tick breaks?
Don’t dig. Contact your vet—mouthparts in the skin can cause irritation.
Do I need chemicals to remove a tick?
No. Manual removal is the recommended first step. Use preventatives as advised by your vet.
Add to cart – Tick Remover + Flea/Lice Comb
Safety note: “Safe” refers to manual, non-chemical tick removal when used as directed for dogs and cats. For persistent symptoms or heavy infestations, speak to your veterinarian.
