Tick removal guide for New Zealand dogs and cats
Introduction
Ticks turn up after walks in long grass, bush tracks and coastal scrub. Knowing how to check your pet and remove a tick calmly makes a big difference. Keep a tick tool or fine tweezers in the car and with the lead.
Daily tick check
Make it part of the evening routine in tick prone areas. Run your hands over the coat and look closely at lips and chin, ear edges, under the collar, armpits, groin, between the toes and the tail base. Re check after beach or bush days.
How to remove a tick
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Part the coat and find the tick head at skin level.
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Grip close to the skin with a tick tool or fine tipped tweezers.
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Lift straight out with steady pressure. Do not twist, burn or apply oils.
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Seal the tick in a container and note the date.
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Watch your pet for 24 to 48 hours.
When to see a vet
Go in promptly if you notice wobbliness, gagging or coughing, trouble swallowing, heavy drooling, laboured breathing, swelling around the bite, or if your pet seems unwell after a tick removal.
Keep prevention steady
Checks and removal help, but prevention reduces how many ticks attach in the first place. Give doses on time, treat every pet in the home on the same day, and re weigh every few months to confirm the right band.
Products we trust
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Dogs monthly all in one: Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs
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Dogs monthly fleas and ticks: NexGard Chewables for Dogs
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Dogs longer acting fleas and ticks: Bravecto Chew for Dogs
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Dogs collar option: Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs
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Cats broad monthly spot on: Revolution Plus Spot-On for Cats
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Cats longer acting fleas and ticks: Bravecto Spot-On for Cats
Safety basics
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Dog products for dogs, cat products for cats
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Match current weight band and minimum age
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Avoid stacking different preventives unless your vet advises
FAQ
Should I see a vet even if the tick came out cleanly
Monitor for a day or two. If anything seems off, go in. For help building a tick plan for your region and routine, contact us.
Also in Dr. Feargus’ New Zealand Pet Health Blog
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