Tick Control: A Step-by-Step Guide for Pet Owners

Ticks are small, pesky parasites that pose a potentially serious threat to pets, especially during the warmer months. If your pet spends time outdoors, they are at risk of picking up ticks, which can lead to discomfort and even transmit diseases. But don’t panic: if you find a tick, act quickly and follow a few simple steps to remove it safely. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show exactly what to do if your pet gets a tick and how to prevent future infestations. For further help and support, our team at Sash & Pepps is always here to help with advice and tick-prevention products to keep pets safe.

Assess the Situation

While ticks are unpleasant, they can be easily dealt with if you act quickly. If you spot a tick, you’ll typically find it attached to their skin, usually around areas with thick fur, such as the neck, ears, or underarms. Ticks can be very small, so make sure to thoroughly check your pet’s coat for any signs of a tick, especially after walks or trips outside.

Removing the Tick Safely

With the right tools, you can quickly and easily remove the tick from your pet. Below are some tips on how to do it yourself:

Grab the Tick Tool

Using a tick removal tool or tweezers, carefully grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Avoid squeezing the tick, as this could cause it to release harmful bacteria into your pet’s bloodstream.

Gently Pull it Out

Slowly and steadily pull the tick out in a straight motion. Don’t jerk or twist the tick, as this could cause parts of it to break off and stay embedded in a pet’s skin.

Check the Immediate Area

Once the tick is removed, examine the bite area for any signs of remaining parts of the tick. If any pieces are left behind, carefully remove them using your tweezers.

Keep the Tick Secure

Place the tick in a jar or container and seal it tightly. It’s advisable to keep the tick in case a vet needs to examine it. Never crush or flush it down the toilet, as this can cause the tick to release harmful pathogens.

Clean the Area

Once the tick is removed, clean the area thoroughly with an antiseptic wash or wipes to prevent infection. This will help keep the site free from any bacteria the tick might have left behind.

Monitor Your Pet for Any Symptoms

After removing the tick, monitor them closely for any signs of illness. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease or tick-borne fever, so it’s important to watch for symptoms. Symptoms may include unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, fever, lameness, and swelling around the bite area. If you notice any one of these symptoms, contact a vet immediately for further advice.

Prevent Future Ticks with the Right Products

Prevention is key when it comes to ticks. Luckily at Sash & Pepps, we stock a variety of effective treatments to help keep ticks away from pets. We can guide you in choosing the best products to prevent ticks and ensure your pet stays safe. Some of the most popular tick-prevention products include:

Tick Collars

Tick collars are a convenient and long-lasting option. They release chemicals that repel ticks and other parasites, protecting pets for months at a time. Cats and dogs can both wear tick collars permanently to protect from ticks throughout the year.

Spot-on Treatments

These topical treatments are applied to the pet’s skin and provide long-lasting protection against ticks and fleas. They’re easy to use and can be highly effective if applied regularly. Simply apply directly to the skin and let the product do its work.

Oral Medications

Oral medications can help protect from ticks by preventing them from attaching to the skin. These medications are usually given monthly or as recommended. Speak to your vet for a more detailed list of medications available.

Shampoos and Sprays

Flea and tick shampoos or sprays can kill ticks on a pet’s coat and provide short-term protection. It’s important to regularly bath your pet to prevent fleas and ticks and keep their skin and fur healthy. Flea and tick shampoos are even more effective when combined with other preventative measures.

Protect Your Pet With Help From Sash & Pepps

Discovering a tick on a pet can cause concern, but with the right knowledge and tools, safe and effective removal is achievable. Monitoring a pet for any signs of illness is crucial, and consulting with a vet is advised for unusual or persistent symptoms. Prevention remains the most effective tick control method, and the products we stock at Sash & Pepps offer year-round protection. Visit or contact our pet shop in Wigan for help in choosing the appropriate tick-prevention products and further information.