Removing a tick from humans, dogs and cats – how to do it properly

A tick should be removed as early as possible – the longer it feeds, the greater the risk that pathogens are transmitted. With the right tool it only takes a few seconds: the tick is gripped right above the skin and pulled out slowly. This guide shows how to do it safely on people, dogs and cats.

You will find suitable tools in our category Buy tick pliers.

Removing a tick – step by step

1. Do not pre-treat. No oil, no glue, no alcohol and no heat on the tick. This irritates it and can cause it to release more saliva.
2. Grip right above the skin. Place the tick pliers or tick tweezers as close to the skin as possible – on the tick's head, not on its engorged body.
3. Pull out slowly and straight. With an even pull, without jerking. A slight twist is not necessary, but does no harm.
4. Disinfect the spot. After removal, treat the bite site with a skin disinfectant.
5. Clean the tool. Clean the pliers or tweezers with hot water and disinfect them.

If a small remnant of the mouthparts stays in the skin, this is usually harmless: it is generally expelled on its own. Do not dig or squeeze – that only irritates the skin further.

Tick tweezers or tick pliers?

• Tick tweezers – narrow, angled tip. They also grip very small ticks and nymphs that are barely visible to the naked eye.
• Tick pliers – grip the tick between two jaws and are easy to use. Models with a holding bracket can be operated with one hand.
• Ordinary cosmetic tweezers – only in an emergency. Their tips are often too wide or too smooth and squeeze the tick's body.

Removing a tick from a dog or cat

With pets, the same technique applies: grip right above the skin and pull out slowly. Because the fur blocks the view, it helps to part the hair with your free hand. Animals are easiest to treat with two people – one holds, the other removes the tick.

• Where to look? On dogs and cats, ticks prefer the head, ears, neck, armpits and the spaces between the toes.
• When to look? After every walk, and daily for outdoor cats, especially from spring to autumn.
• Which tool? Tick pliers with a holding bracket or narrow tick tweezers – both fit well between the hairs.

Your vet is the best person to discuss preventive protection for your animal with. If the spot becomes inflamed or your animal seems listless after a tick bite, it should also be taken there.

After the tick bite: what to look out for

Watch the bite site over the following weeks. If a spreading redness develops – often ring-shaped, known as erythema migrans – or flu-like symptoms appear, see a doctor. It is best to note the date and the place on the body where you were bitten. In TBE risk areas, vaccination may be advisable; your GP can advise you on this.

Frequently asked questions

Twist or pull the tick out?

Pull. The key is to grip the tick right above the skin and pull it out slowly. A slight twist is possible but not necessary.

What to do if the tick's head gets stuck?

Usually only remnants of the mouthparts remain, not the whole head. They are generally expelled by the body on their own. Disinfect the spot and keep an eye on it; if it becomes inflamed, see a doctor.

Can you remove a tick with your fingers?

Better not. Fingers easily squeeze the tick's body. Tick pliers or tick tweezers grip more precisely.

Do the same tick pliers work on humans and animals?

Yes. The only important thing is to clean and disinfect the tool after every use.

Note: This guide does not replace medical or veterinary advice.

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