Last Updated: 20/01/2026
How to Remove a Tick from Your Dog
Found a tick on your dog? Don't panic. Our expert vet guide shows you how to safely remove ticks using tweezers or a tick tool, identifies common Australian ticks, and explains the warning signs of tick paralysis every pet parent should know.
Author: Dr Samantha Wycherley BVSc
Reading Time: 5 minutes - short read
Finding a tiny hitchhiker on your dog after a bush walk can be a real worry. In Australia, these small parasites are more than just a nuisance; they can carry serious diseases or even inject life-threatening toxins. Whether it's the notorious paralysis tick or the spread of Ehrlichiosis, acting quickly and correctly is the best way to keep your best mate safe. This guide walks you through the safe removal process and what to watch for once the tick is gone.
How to safely remove a tick from your dog
If you think you have found a tick on your pet the first thing to do is stay calm! It might be tempting to try and flick the tick off as fast as possible but following a step by step procedure is the best way to safely remove a tick and also helps your pet to not become stressed too!
Once a tick has been located, collect the following items:
- Tweezers or a tick removal tool
- Gloves
- A spare pair of hands if available!
- Treats to distract your pup
- A sealable container
- Isopropyl alcohol
Using tweezers vs tick removal tools
Tweezers
- If you have a spare pair of hands grab a friend to help you hold your pup while you spread the fur and locate the tick.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible (taking care not to pinch your dog's skin)
- Pull steadily upwards (No twisting needed in this method)
Tick removal tool
Tick removal tools are a great thing to have on hand at home to make tick removal as easy and stress free as possible. Simply follow the first few steps listed above but instead of using tweezers use your tick twister.
- Choose the most suitable hook according to the size of the tick
- Engage the hook by approaching the tick from the side until it is held
- Lift the hook lightly and turn it. The tick will detach itself after 2 or 3 rotations
What to do if the tick head is left behind
Once the tick has been removed from your pet, check the skin to make sure the tick has been removed in its entirety. In some cases the mouthparts can stay stuck in the skin and only the tick's body is removed.
If this is the case, once again, don't panic! If you try to dig the mouthparts out you can end up doing more harm than good and it can be painful for your pup. In most cases your pets immune system will recognise the mouthparts as foreign and eventually expel it on its own, however there is a slightly increased risk of infection. It's a good idea to check in with your vet if you are concerned or notice any redness, swelling, discharge or irritation at the tick removal site.
Post-tick removal care
Place the tick in some isopropyl alcohol to kill it and then store it in a sealed container, you can then show this to your vet for species identification if needed.
Use antiseptic wipes or an antiseptic ointment to clean and disinfect the site on your pet's skin after removal.
Signs of tick paralysis in dogs
If you live in a tick paralysis region and have removed a tick from your pet it's best to contact your vet for advice. Tick paralysis symptoms can develop even after the tick has been removed so it's important to monitor your pet for any changes such as:
- A change in the sound of their bark
- Wobbliness (particularly in the back legs)
- Difficulty sitting or standing
- Coughing or gagging
- Laboured breathing
- Vomiting
If you see any of these symptoms after finding a tick, seek urgent veterinary care.
Common types of ticks in Australia
Ticks are parasitic, spider-like creatures that survive by feasting on the blood of a host animal. Host animals include mammals such as dogs, cats and even humans! There are actually around 70 different species of ticks found in Australia but the most significant ticks for your pets are the paralysis tick, bush tick and the brown dog tick.
Paralysis Ticks
Paralysis ticks are particularly dangerous for your pets. They get their name from the toxin they can inject into your furry friend when they attach, this toxin causes 'tick paralysis'.
Brown Dog Ticks and Bush Ticks
Brown Dog Ticks and Bush Ticks aren't able to cause tick paralysis however they are able to cause anaemia and can transmit other diseases such as Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis. Ehrlichiosis was previously thought to not be a problem in Australia however it has now been detected in multiple states since 2020.
Ticks like to live in moist, humid areas and are typically found in bush areas. Paralysis ticks are found on the East Coast of Australia stretching from Cape York to Lakes Entrance in Victoria. Brown Ticks are found in multiple locations throughout Australia and Bush ticks can be found on both the West and East Coast. With such a wide distribution throughout Australia tick protection is more important now than ever.
Ticks will typically attach to your pet after they have walked through a bushy/grassy area. Ticks will wait for a suitable host to brush through the foliage and then use their front legs to crawl on! Once they have found a suitable spot on your pet they will burrow their mouthparts in and start drinking.
Learn more in How Do Dogs Get Ticks?
Where to check your dog for ticks
Ticks like to hide in moist, warm areas on your pet (although can be found anywhere). Typical spots for a tick to be found are the ears, groin or armpits.
There are a wide range of tick-preventative products available which are highly-effective. Read through our guide to the Best Flea and Tick Preventatives, and Is a Tick Collar Enough?
FAQs
Even after the tick is gone, your job isn't quite finished. Keep a close eye on your dog for the next few days. If you notice a change in their bark, any wobbliness in their back legs, or if they seem to be gagging or struggling to breathe, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention is the absolute key to recovery when dealing with tick paralysis. Using a regular tick preventative remains the most effective way to ensure your dog stays "tick-free" and ready for their next adventure.
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Are you relying on a tick collar alone? Learn from an experienced vet whether collars provide adequate protection against deadly paralysis ticks. We break down the pros, cons, and why combining preventatives is often the safest choice for your pet.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 20 Jan 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Samantha Wycherley BVSc
Contributing Author, BVSc
Dr Samantha works as a companion animal veterinarian in Melbourne. Graduated from Massey University in New Zealand in 2015. I have worked in NZ, across the UK and in Australia. Special interests include wildlife and senior pet medicine.
