Ticks on a dog (or any animal or human) can be a seriousproblem. These wingless parasites are not insects, but areactually related to mites and spiders. Many people are suprisedto learn that there are over 850 tick species, about 100 ofwhich are capable of transmitting potentially serious diseases.

The tick's sole mission is to wait for some human or animal tobrush against them so they have a wonderful new host to feedfrom. Because ticks can feed on many hosts, they can easilyspread diseases between animals and humans. This is why it isvery important for you to check your dog periodically,especially during the summer months, for any ticks that havedecided to hitch a ride with your favorite canine.

Ticks Can Cause Lyme Disease

One tick in particular that you should watch out for is the DeerTick. This tick is about the size of a pinhead in its nymphalstage and adult deer ticks are smaller than most normal ticks.Deer ticks are known to spread Lyme disease, a multi-systembacterial infection, which often has to be treated withantibiotics. Unfortunately, some animals won't show any symptomsof Lyme Disease although they may be infected and this can makeit difficult to diagnose and treat. An additional problem isthat the body does not develop an immunity to this disease, soyou and your pet can be reinfected by new tick bites.

Dog Tick Removal

You must be very careful when trying to remove a tick. Do notuse lighters, alcohol or any of those other "home-remedy" mythsyou hear about. Because ticks have a mouth that contain reverseharpoon-like barbs, there is really only one safe way to do this.

1. Use tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin (and itsmouth parts) as possible.

2. Pull straight up removing the tick. Do not burn or prick thetick, as it might release infected fluids. Do not twist thetweezers.

3. If a the small mouth piece remains in the skin leave italone. It will work its way out of the skin as old skin cellsslough off. If you try to pry the small mouth piece out with aneedle, you may inadverdentley push it farther in, possiblycausing more problems.

4. Put the tick in a small jar and label it with the person's oranimal's name, address and date.

5. Wash your hands and the tweezers, then disinfect the bitearea.

6. If possible, have the tick identified and tested by the localhealth department or your veternarian (in case there are furthercomplications).