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Canine Health
How to Safely Remove a Tick from a Dog Without Tweezers Download Article Easy ways to remove a tick with items around your house Co-authored by Natalie Punt, DVM and Aly Rusciano
Last Updated: March 7, 2025 Fact Checked
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Removing Ticks
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What to Avoid
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What to Do After Removal
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Tick Prevention
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Tips
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This article was co-authored by Natalie Punt, DVM and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 199,975 times.
Ticks can hop onto your dog at any time and place, especially when you’re in a densely grassy or woodland area. But what if you don’t have tweezers on hand to remove the tick? While removing a tick with tweezers is the best and most effective method, there are other strategies that can work in a pinch, and we'll explain them all below. Plus, we’ve even provided plenty of tips on what to do after removing a tick and how to prevent tick bites.
Removing Ticks Without Tweezers
Use a credit card with a small "v" cut into the edge or dental floss to gently scrape the tick off your dog's skin. Or, heat a needle and place it near the tick's head to encourage it to dislodge itself from your dog's skin. If you do have tweezers, use them to grasp the tick tightly and pull it out.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
Safe Ways to Remove Ticks Without Tweezers
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1 Scrape the tick off with a credit card. Cut a "v" that's no larger than the tick's head into your credit card. Then, lining up the "v" with the tick's head, slide the card under the tick. Now, try to gently edge the tick's head from your dog's skin with the card.[1]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
The goal is to remove the tick entirely, especially the head. These parasites attach to your dog via tiny hooks in the skin.
Attempting to forcefully rip the tick from your dog's skin risks leaving the head attached.
2 Use dental floss to pull the tick out. Unspool a length of dental floss—6 in (15 cm) is more than enough. Loop the dental floss around the tick’s mouthparts, wrapping as close to the skin as possible. Tie a knot on the other side of the tick to form a small circle around the parasite's belly. Finally, tug upwards on the string to pull the tick from your dog’s skin.[2]XResearch source
If you’re having trouble looping close enough to the skin, try using a straw. Loop and tie your floss around the straw. Place the straw over the belly of the tick, with the end as close to the head as possible. Then, slide the floss off of the straw.
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3 Force the tick to detach using heat and a needle. Heat a needle by holding it inside a flame for a few seconds, preferably with a match. Hold the hot needle directly on top of the tick—if possible, on the parasite's head. Now, wait. The heat may encourage the tick to dislodge its head.[3]XResearch source
Note that this approach involves risk. If the tick dies while still attached to your dog's skin, removing the head could become even more challenging.
Heat can also cause the tick to produce more saliva. This saliva can carry diseases that can infect your pet with illnesses.
If you're in a pinch, you may decide this method is still worth trying. But if you have other options available, try something with less risk first.
4 Use a tick-removal kit. The best and most effective way to remove ticks is with tweezers. Keep a tick-removal kit on hand in case you encounter another tick. These kits typically include tweezer-like tools that can safely and easily remove ticks.[4]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
The tools in these ticks usually put less pressure on the tick's body, reducing the risk of accidentally forcing the parasite to regurgitate harmful diseases.
C.J. Puotinen, Holistic Pet Care Writer
When removing ticks, take care not to squeeze the tick's body or leave the head embedded, as this can lead to infection. Gentle, steady pressure is key—rotate slowly without pulling too hard. And always disinfect the area after removal.
5 Use tweezers if you have them. Using tweezers is the best and safest way to remove a tick from your dog. Locate the tick and spread your dog’s fur to get a better look. Veterinarian Natalie Punt recommends grasping the tick tightly with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible.[5]X Expert Source Natalie Punt, DVMVeterinarianExpert Interview With a straight, steady motion, pull the tick out. [6]X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
The goal is to get the tick out of the skin in one piece, as anything left behind could cause an infection.
Avoid holding the tick too tightly. You don’t want it to crush or pop.
Avoid jerky motions, and take your time.
Advertisement Section 2 of 4:
What to Avoid When Removing a Tick
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Avoid removal methods that suffocate or pull at the tick. Removing a tick the wrong way increases the risk of illness. If you aggravate the tick, you may end up causing the tick to embed itself into the skin without actually killing it. Bursting the tick, causing it to produce more saliva, or causing it to regurgitate its stomach's contents could all release dangerous diseases capable of infecting your dog.[7]X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Stay away from these methods:
Suffocating the tick with olive oil or soap[8]X Trustworthy Source HealthyChildren.orgHealth information from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Go to source
Smothering with alcohol, Vasoline, or nail polish[9]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Pulling the tick off with your fingers
Burning the tick with cigarettes or matches
Section 3 of 4:
What to Do After Removing a Tick
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1 Clean the tick bite and your tools. After the tick is removed, make sure to clean the area gently with soap and water. Then, apply a disinfectant or antiseptic cream to help prevent infection and irritation.[10]X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
2 Drop the tick into isopropyl alcohol to save it. It’s always better to save the tick just in case your dog experiences signs of infection. Once the tick is removed, place it in a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Make note of when it was removed. Keep the tick for a few weeks in case your vet needs to see it.[11]X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Tick-borne illness symptoms include arthritis, swollen joints, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and neurological problems.
Contact your vet if your dog experiences any of these symptoms after a tick has been found, and bring them the tick to be tested.
3 Flush the tick down the toilet to dispose of it. While preserving and saving the tick for inspection is always smart, it isn’t necessary. If you don’t want to save the tick, get rid of it by squeezing it inside a tissue and flushing it down the toilet. This prevents the parasite from finding its way back to your pet (or you).[12]XResearch source
Never use your bare fingers to crush or pop a tick, as this can spread disease.
4 Call your vet if you notice signs of infection. Once you remove the tick, your dog's risk of disease drops significantly; however, illness is still possible. Disease transmission typically shows in the form of a rash or irritated skin. Check your dog daily. If you notice abnormal skin around the tick bite, call your vet right away.[13]XResearch source
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How to Prevent Tick Bites
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1 Use a flea and tick topical treatment or collar on your dog. One of the best ways to prevent ticks is to give your dog an extra layer of protection from these parasites. Topical treatments and collars put a shield around your pet, which can help deter ticks or make it more difficult for them to latch on.[14]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Talk to your vet about which treatment or collar would be best for your pet and their needs.
2 Wash your dog with a flea or tick shampoo. Flea and tick shampoo helps kill any remaining parasites on your dog. Pick up some flea and tick shampoo from your local pet store. Follow the shampoo’s instructions and bathe your dog, thoroughly scrubbing the skin and letting the shampoo sit for the recommended amount of time.[15]X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
For your dog's safety and comfort, be careful not to get shampoo into their eyes or ears.
Shampoo your dog weekly if they're at risk for tick bites.[16]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
3 Keep your yard maintained. Ticks like to hide in overgrown vegetation. A great way to prevent ticks is to keep your lawn as short as possible, tame any overgrown bushes or shrubs, and remove excess leaves.[17]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Similarly, avoid walking your dog in unkept outdoor areas.
4 Check your dog for ticks. While this isn’t a preventative measure, it can help you spot a tick right away and figure out where the tick may have come from. Make sure to check your dog’s skin for ticks after walks through woods or densely grassy areas.[18]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Look closely on the feet (particularly between the toes), under the legs, on the lips, around the eyes and ears, around the butt, and under the tail, as this is where ticks most commonly hide.
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Tips
Wear latex gloves when removing a tick to prevent it from biting you.[19]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Natalie Punt, DVM Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Natalie Punt, DVM and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. This article has been viewed 199,975 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 9Updated: March 7, 2025 Views: 199,975 Categories: Canine Health In other languages Portuguese Dutch Spanish Indonesian German French Italian Japanese
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Reader Success Stories
Jo Keet
Aug 22, 2022
"It was just a very interesting article generally. I started off with tick removal and found some good "do's & don'ts. Then it progressed to fever symptoms etc. All very interesting and well worth reading. You can always learn something new. Thanks!"..." more
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Natalie Punt, DVM Veterinarian Co-authors: 9Updated: March 7, 2025 Views: 199,975100% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
Jo Keet
Aug 22, 2022
"It was just a very interesting article generally. I started off with tick removal and found some good "do's & don'ts. Then it progressed to fever symptoms etc. All very interesting and well worth reading. You can always learn something new. Thanks!"..." more
Debrah C.
May 31, 2024
"I have always been told to turn ticks counterclockwise to remove them. I am glad I tried the dental wax, and it worked! Thank you."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Easy ways to remove a tick with items around your house Co-authored by Natalie Punt, DVM and Aly Rusciano 
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Co-authored by: Natalie Punt, DVM Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Natalie Punt, DVM and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. This article has been viewed 199,975 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 9 Updated: March 7, 2025 Views: 199,975 Categories: Canine Health In other languages Portuguese Dutch Spanish Indonesian German French Italian Japanese 
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1 Scrape the tick off with a credit card. Cut a "v" that's no larger than the tick's head into your credit card. Then, lining up the "v" with the tick's head, slide the card under the tick. Now, try to gently edge the tick's head from your dog's skin with the card.[1] 
2 Use dental floss to pull the tick out. Unspool a length of dental floss—6 in (15 cm) is more than enough. Loop the dental floss around the tick’s mouthparts, wrapping as close to the skin as possible. Tie a knot on the other side of the tick to form a small circle around the parasite's belly. Finally, tug upwards on the string to pull the tick from your dog’s skin.[2] 
3 Force the tick to detach using heat and a needle. Heat a needle by holding it inside a flame for a few seconds, preferably with a match. Hold the hot needle directly on top of the tick—if possible, on the parasite's head. Now, wait. The heat may encourage the tick to dislodge its head.[3] 
4 Use a tick-removal kit. The best and most effective way to remove ticks is with tweezers. Keep a tick-removal kit on hand in case you encounter another tick. These kits typically include tweezer-like tools that can safely and easily remove ticks.[4] 
C.J. Puotinen, Holistic Pet Care Writer 
5 Use tweezers if you have them. Using tweezers is the best and safest way to remove a tick from your dog. Locate the tick and spread your dog’s fur to get a better look. Veterinarian Natalie Punt recommends grasping the tick tightly with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible.[5] With a straight, steady motion, pull the tick out. [6] 
Avoid removal methods that suffocate or pull at the tick. Removing a tick the wrong way increases the risk of illness. If you aggravate the tick, you may end up causing the tick to embed itself into the skin without actually killing it. Bursting the tick, causing it to produce more saliva, or causing it to regurgitate its stomach's contents could all release dangerous diseases capable of infecting your dog.[7] Stay away from these methods: 
1 Clean the tick bite and your tools. After the tick is removed, make sure to clean the area gently with soap and water. Then, apply a disinfectant or antiseptic cream to help prevent infection and irritation.[10] 
2 Drop the tick into isopropyl alcohol to save it. It’s always better to save the tick just in case your dog experiences signs of infection. Once the tick is removed, place it in a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Make note of when it was removed. Keep the tick for a few weeks in case your vet needs to see it.[11] 
3 Flush the tick down the toilet to dispose of it. While preserving and saving the tick for inspection is always smart, it isn’t necessary. If you don’t want to save the tick, get rid of it by squeezing it inside a tissue and flushing it down the toilet. This prevents the parasite from finding its way back to your pet (or you).[12] 
4 Call your vet if you notice signs of infection. Once you remove the tick, your dog's risk of disease drops significantly; however, illness is still possible. Disease transmission typically shows in the form of a rash or irritated skin. Check your dog daily. If you notice abnormal skin around the tick bite, call your vet right away.[13] Advertisement 
1 Use a flea and tick topical treatment or collar on your dog. One of the best ways to prevent ticks is to give your dog an extra layer of protection from these parasites. Topical treatments and collars put a shield around your pet, which can help deter ticks or make it more difficult for them to latch on.[14] 
2 Wash your dog with a flea or tick shampoo. Flea and tick shampoo helps kill any remaining parasites on your dog. Pick up some flea and tick shampoo from your local pet store. Follow the shampoo’s instructions and bathe your dog, thoroughly scrubbing the skin and letting the shampoo sit for the recommended amount of time.[15] 
3 Keep your yard maintained. Ticks like to hide in overgrown vegetation. A great way to prevent ticks is to keep your lawn as short as possible, tame any overgrown bushes or shrubs, and remove excess leaves.[17] 
4 Check your dog for ticks. While this isn’t a preventative measure, it can help you spot a tick right away and figure out where the tick may have come from. Make sure to check your dog’s skin for ticks after walks through woods or densely grassy areas.[18] 
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