Removing a tick from a dog or cat: the safe way

When a removing a tick from a dog or cat happens, the first minutes matter. Follow these steps to act safely and without panic.

What to do right now

1. Grasp close to the skin with fine tweezers.
2. Pull straight out steadily without twisting.
3. Kill it in alcohol and keep it for 30 days.
4. Resume spot-on prevention and watch for lethargy.

Mistakes to avoid

• Acting before removing the immediate source of danger.
• Panicking or skipping the official procedures.
• Following unverified advice from random websites.

How to prevent this in the future

Regular checks, keeping emergency numbers visible and preparing an essentials kit go a long way. Save this guide for offline access.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first?

Ensure everyone is safe, remove the source of danger, then call the relevant number or begin the official procedure.

When should I call emergency services?

Whenever life, serious injury or fire is involved. When in doubt, call — dispatchers would rather check than miss an emergency.