Found a Tick? What to Do If You or Your Dog Has a Tick Bite

Finding a tick attached to you or your dog can be unsettling, but the most important thing is to remove it promptly and correctly.

Ticks can carry pathogens that cause illness in both people and pets. Not every tick carries a disease-causing pathogen, and a tick bite doesn't automatically mean you or your dog will become sick—but knowing what to do can make a difference.

How to Remove a Tick

If you find an attached tick:

1. Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers or an appropriate tick-removal tool
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
3. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick
4. Clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly after removal
5. Check the rest of the body for additional ticks

Avoid home remedies such as petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat. The goal is to remove the tick promptly rather than waiting for it to detach.

What Should You Watch for After a Tick Bite?

After removing the tick, monitor the bite area and pay attention to unusual symptoms.

For dogs, possible signs of tick-borne illness can include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Joint pain or swelling
• Lameness
• Weakness

If your dog becomes unwell following possible tick exposure, contact your veterinarian.

Don't Forget the Tick Check

Ticks can attach almost anywhere on a dog, but it's worth paying particular attention to the

• ears
• face
• neck
• under the collar
• between the toes
• under the legs
• around the groin
• and under the tail

After walks, hikes, camping trips, or time spent in grassy, wooded, or brushy environments, make a quick tick check part of your routine—for both your family and your pets.

Think Ahead Before Your Next Adventure

Regular tick checks and appropriate tick-control options can all be part of a broader outdoor routine.

For pet owners looking for a chemical-free alternative, Tickless wearable devices use ultrasonic technology and are designed to become an easy part of your pet's everyday outdoor routine. Depending on your pet's lifestyle and level of tick exposure, Tickless may also be used alongside other approaches recommended by your veterinarian.

No single solution can guarantee that your pet will never encounter a tick, so regular tick checks remain important.

This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice.

Get Ready for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Make tick awareness part of your dog's everyday routine. Explore Tickless options designed for different lifestyles:

Tickless Pet
A lightweight wearable device that uses ultrasonic technology and provides up to 6 months of continuous use. A simple chemical-free alternative for everyday walks, backyard time, hiking, and outdoor adventures.
→ Learn more about Tickless Pet

Tickless Mini
Our compact ultrasonic option for dogs and cats of all sizes. Small, lightweight, and easy to attach to your pet's collar or harness.
→ Learn more about Tickless Mini

Tickless Citronella Collar
Prefer a plant-based option? The adjustable Citronella Collar offers another easy-to-use choice for your dog's outdoor routine.
→ Learn more about Citronella Collar

Not sure which option is right for your pet?
→ Explore All Pet Solutions