Tick Removal: What NOT To Do

by Jennifer Smith April 08, 2019

At first glance, it looks like a birth mark; but after a more thorough look, we realize it is something much worse: a tick embedded in the skin.

Don't panic. (Easier said than done, we know.) Do not start to think of the absolute worse that could happen. When your mind begins to wander, and go into overdrive, do not do the following when removing a tick:

Don't pluck the tick off the skin. Naturally, this will be a first instinct. This action can cause the tick's head, and body, to stay embedded in the skin or chip off. Leaving body parts underneath the skin can spread potential tick diseases such as Lyme Disease.
Don't burn the tick off the skin. Some boy scouts are prepared to do so; but this isn't a campfire. This is your skin! Are you really interested in burning yourself? The tick will not run out of the skin because heat is near. If pets have ticks, do not approach them with lighters, either.
Don't freeze the tick off the skin. Freezing a tick can cause damage to the body of the tick and lead to saliva from the tick to be forced out into the human/animal's bloodstream.
Don't suffocate the tick off the skin. Using alcohol, nail polish remover, petroleum jelly and even after shaves are all bad ideas. Like using burning and freezing techniques, this action can cause saliva to pour out of the tick and cause leaking into the bloodstream of the human or wildlife that is linked to the tick.

Proper removal of a tick requires a tick removal tool; patience; and a long, warm hug for afterwards.

How To Remove a Tick

The process for removing a tick on pets is similar to that of humans. Do not pull the tick straight off the pet. Instead, use tick tweezers or a tick remover tool for easy handling; and:

1. Disinfect the area with soap;

2. Pull the tick straight up without bending or twisting the tick;

3. Disinfect the area once more;

Once the tick is completely out