Tick Removal and Signs Your Dog Has Ticks

Ticks are becoming more common in New Zealand -- and how you remove one matters enormously. Here's what to look for, where to check, and what to do if you find one.

Ticks in New Zealand

Ticks are becoming an increasingly common concern for New Zealand dog owners, particularly for dogs who spend time in long grass, bush, or coastal scrub. The New Zealand cattle tick and the introduced brown dog tick can both attach to dogs, and while the risks here differ from countries where Lyme disease is prevalent, ticks can still cause local irritation, infection, and in heavy infestations, anaemia.

The most important thing to know about tick removal is that how you remove the tick matters enormously. Never twist, squeeze, or use petroleum jelly, heat, or nail polish to try to detach a tick -- these methods can cause the tick to regurgitate into your dog's bloodstream, increasing the risk of infection. The correct approach is to use fine-pointed tweezers or a proper tick removal tool, gripping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure.

Signs Your Dog Has a Tick

Signs your dog may have a tick include excessive scratching or head shaking in a localised area, a small raised bump on the skin, redness or swelling, or your dog seeming generally off. When you part the fur and look, you may be able to see the tick attached. Check behind the ears, between the toes, under the collar, and in the groin area -- these are favourite spots.

If you're ever unsure whether you've removed a tick fully, or if the area becomes inflamed, it's worth a visit to your vet. Samara checks for ticks during every groom, particularly after busy summer weekends.