If you’re having trouble looping close enough to the skin, grab a straw. Loop and tie your floss around the straw. With the string still situated around the straw, place the straw over the belly of the tick, with the end as close to the head as possible. Next, slide the floss off of the straw. With a little luck, this will help you easily place your loop close to the tick’s mouth.
Your goal is to remove the tick entirely, especially the head. These parasites attach to your dog via tiny hooks in the skin. In other words, attempting to forcefully rip the tick from your dog’s skin risks leaving the head attached.
Note that this approach involves risk. If the tick dies while still attached to your dog’s skin, removing the head could become even more challenging. Heat can also cause the tick to produce more saliva. This saliva can carry diseases able to infect your pet with illnesses. If you’re in a pinch, you may decide this method is still worth trying. But if you have other options available, try something with less risk first.
This method doesn’t show consistent successful results. If the tick hangs on, incorporate another removal technique.
For your dog’s safety and comfort, be careful not to get shampoo into their eyes or ears. To prevent future parasite bites, shampoo your dog weekly. [7] X Expert Source Belgin AltundagCertified Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 11 August 2021.
Smothering with alcohol, Vasoline, or nail polish[9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Burning with cigarettes or matches[10] X Research source Pulling the tick off with your fingers[11] X Research source
