How do you get a tick off a dog?

To remove a tick from a dog, use a pair of tweezers to grasp the tick and gently pull it out. Do not twist, jerk or squeeze the tick. Doing so may leave the tick's mouth parts behind or crush the tick, which can lead to infection.

1. Gather the needed materials for removal and disposal of the tick

   Get a pair of gloves, a pair of tweezers, a clean cloth, a bottle of rubbing alcohol and a small jar with a lid. Pour a few inches of rubbing alcohol into the jar.

2. Clean the bite area

   Put on the gloves, dampen the cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe the area around the bite.

3. Remove the tick

   Grasp the tick with the tweezers. Try to get as close to the skin as possible without pinching the dog's skin. In one gentle, smooth motion, pull the tick out of the dog's skin.

4. Dispose of the tick

   Drop the tick into the jar of rubbing alcohol. This quickly kills the tick. Put the lid on the jar, date it and store it somewhere. If the dog begins to exhibit symptoms of a possible tick-borne ailment, a veterinarian may want to inspect the tick.

5. Clean up

   Disinfect the bite with rubbing alcohol, wash your hands with soap and water, and sterilize the tweezers over an open flame.

6. Inspect the bite area

   Check the bite for any signs of the tick's mouth parts. If they are present, periodically apply a warm compress to the area, and wait to see if they are expelled naturally. If the area becomes inflamed, take the dog and the tick to a veterinarian for analysis.