How to safely remove a tick from your pet

While there is much to celebrate about the coming of spring-the warmer weather, longer daytime hours, increase in adoptions!!- Spring also brings fleas and ticks! Please take a moment to check your dogs when you bring them in from their walks. Try to keep them out of the tall grass and weeds. Below you will find step-by-step instructions on how to safely remove a tick if you find one. If you do not feel comfortable removing the tick yourself, please make somebody else aware of it. Even though your our dog is treated monthly with a Flea/Tick Protection, it is possible for them to still be bitten by a tick.  
 
How to safely remove a tick from your pet.
Difficulty Level: easy      Time Required: 5 minutes
 
Here's How:
1.        Use latex exam gloves to examine your pet for ticks. Examine using good lighting.
2.        Check your pet daily for ticks by thoroughly feeling for any lumps under the hair.

           Pay close attention to ears, around face, eyes, legs, and belly.
3.        Ticks will range in size from the size of a sesame seed to the size of a fingernail  

            (engorged).
4.        When is tick is found embedded in the skin, use a fine pointed tweezers at the

           point of attachment, and grasp firmly.

           Remember to wear latex gloves when doing this.
5.        Using slow, steady, and firm traction, pull the tick straight out from the skin.
6.        Cleanse the skin with mild soap and water.
7.        If part of the tick breaks off, you can try to remove it as you would a splinter, but it

           is probably best to leave it alone. The body will 'eject' it in time.

          Place the tick in a jar of alcohol, noting the date, in case of future illness.

          Tick identification and location of tick infestation will be important.