The Best Dog Tick Remover Tools

Parasites are pests that feed off of host animals, and ticks are quite possibly the worst. They attach to your dog by inserting their mouth parts into the dog's skin. Once detected, you will need to use a tweezer or, better yet, a good dog tick remover tool to ensure that you don't leave the tick's mouth parts behind after removal.

According to the CDC, ticks are most prevalent in the Eastern part of the United States, but every pet owner should have a tick remover on hand just in case. Ticks are very common in the area east of the Rocky Mountains, but they can be found to some degree in virtually every part of the country and even the world.

In this article, we'll discuss how to remove a tick with a tick remover or tweezers and review five of the best dog tick remover tools we've liked most in the past for the job.

The Best Dog Tick Remover Tools: Summary

Here's a brief summary of the best tick remover that has been reviewed and experienced by customers.

Why You Need to Use Tick Remover Tools

Ticks are attracted to warmth and motion, making both pets and humans great targets. While feeding on your or your dog's blood, ticks can pass along a number of very dangerous diseases, some of which can be fatal if not treated in time.

Some of the most common tick-spread diseases include:

• Lyme Disease
• Anemia
• Canine Anaplasmosis
• Tularemia (also known as Rabbit Fever)
• Tick paralysis
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

You know what they say – prevention is the best medicine. Ideally, it's best not to have any need for a tick remover tool for dogs. There are several preventatives for fleas and ticks on dogs, something that all pet owners should be using.

If you live in an area where ticks are common, it is best to check your dog daily, especially if he spends a lot of time outdoors. Ticks generally attach themselves to areas of the canine body where there is little to no hair – although that isn't always the case. Be sure to look in and around your dog's ears, between his toes, on his face and belly, between skin folds, and around the area where his back legs meet his body.

Ticks live in tall plants or grass in and around wooded areas. Therefore, the more rural the area you live in is, the more at risk your dog is of getting a tick. Even if you live in an area where ticks are not common, you should still have one of the best dog tick remover tools on hand in case your Fido contracts one.

How to Remove a Tick from a Dog

Removing a tick from a dog using a tick remover or tweezers isn't difficult, and you'll get better the more you do this; however, a few steps are crucial to prevent complications. In her guide here, Samantha walks you through the details (with a video) on how to safely remove ticks from dogs using one of these best tick removers for dogs.

Step-By-Step Guide Using Tick Removers

To begin, we recommend you put on a set of latex gloves – you have to protect yourself from any disease the tick may be carrying. Now, follow the steps outlined below.

1. Use the dog tick remover and bring it as close to your pet's skin as possible. To do this, pull the skin tight.

2. Place the tick grabber around the tick's body and press it against the dog's skin.

3. Close the grabber tightly and firmly, then pull the tick straight out.

Note: DO NOT twist the tick as you pull because that may separate the body from the mouthpiece. Instead, use gentle pressure and pull straight upwards so you don't crush the tick's body.

4. Put the tick directly into the resealable bag or airtight container. Do not touch the tick with your hands.

5. Add a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the bag/container. You can also do this before removing the tick from a dog, as I did in my video above. The rubbing alcohol will kill the tick while still allowing you to keep it for testing if your dog becomes ill.

6. Clean the tick bite site with an antiseptic spray or wipe, and you're done.

Keep the tick in the container for at least 3-4 weeks. Lyme disease, the most common disease transmitted by ticks, can take up to a month to show symptoms in a dog.

The Best Dog Tick Remover Tools

1TickCheck Premium Tick Remover Kit for Dogs

TickCheck has created one of the best dog tick remover tools that looks like tweezers measuring 5 ½ inches long, but both of its ends have different features. One end has fine tips for picking up small ticks, even those in the nymphal stage. The other end is what makes this unique.

It’s like a scoop that has a V-shaped opening, which is best for pulling bigger ticks away from the skin without the need to apply clamping or gripping pressure. This tool is made of 100% stainless steel and was designed and produced by a tick prevention specialist.

Tick Removal Tool: What Customers Are Saying

Pet owners, pet shelter staff, and animal rescuers in tick-infested areas found the TickCheck Tick Remover to be the perfect tool for them. The tweezers-like end is actually much better than tweezers because it gets a good grip on the nymphs without the need for squeezing too much. The spoon-like end, on the other hand, has a way of pulling large ticks, which makes ticks release their hold on the skin really easily.

The important thing when removing ticks is to pull them away from the skin and make sure that they come off with their head and body intact and alive. The last thing that we want them to do is to bury their head deeper under our pet’s skin and release pathogens that cause diseases. This ingeniously-designed tick remover makes that meticulous task a lot easier.

PROS: Ideal for removing large or small ticks, even those in the nymphal stage Made of stainless steel Designed and produced by a tick prevention specialist

CONS: If not careful, the tweezer end might be very sharp and cut into the dog

 

2 Tick Twister Dog Tick Remover Set

Ticks, especially engorged ones, have to be pulled as close to the host’s skin as possible. When squeezed at the body, a tick could release disease-infected fluids into the host’s bloodstream.

The Tick Twister tick remover set is designed to pull ticks intact and without unnecessary risks to your pet. A pack contains two tick twisters – one small and one big – which remove ticks easily, quickly, and safely. This tick remover tool for dogs was invented by a French vet, made popular in the US, and constructed from injected polymer plastic. Thus, it is solid, recyclable, and is stable against most solvents and disinfectants.

Tick Removal Tool: What Customers Are Saying

Pet owners think these nifty tools are simply amazing. With a gentle but steady lift and little twists, much like turning screws, the ticks detach whole. Unlike when using tweezers, the ticks don’t get squeezed, and no fur gets accidentally pulled. Pets don’t feel anything, possibly just relief from any itchiness, so acceptance is high for the Tick Twister Tick Remover Set.

These tools, both sizes in the pack, immensely helped dog owners, especially in tick-infested areas. According to them, this is something they can’t think of living without. But even dog owners who live in areas not known to harbor ticks keep these within their homes and cars. They say you don’t know where your dogs could pick out a pest – it could be from the park or the neighbor’s pet – so it’s best always to have a pair when you need it.

PROS: Each pack contains two Tick Twister tools – one small and one big Created by a veterinarian Made from injected polymer plastic – a recyclable material

CONS: Talking to other dog owners, some mentioned that this tick remover simply wouldn't remove the entire tick

 

3 The Original Ticked Off Tick Remover for Dogs

The Ticked Off tick remover removes ticks so effectively that you’d never even think about touching those bloodsucking bugs with your fingers again. A pack gives you three colored plastic tick-removing tools shaped like measuring spoons but with a narrow V-shaped notch that grabs hold of the tick. It measures 6 inches and is proudly made in America.

This tick remover for dogs is very simple to use. Just hold it the way you hold a small spoon, place it on your pet’s skin near the tick, and slide it toward the tick. The Original Ticked Off Tick Remover grasps the tick at the base of the skin that’s closest to where it has attached. That position alone creates a wedge between the tick and your dog’s skin. The tick will feel that and weaken its hold. Pull gently without twisting until the tick separates.

Tick Removal Tool: What Customers Are Saying

Pet owners attest that this is one of the best dog tick remover tools, as ticks have always come off intact when they've used it. This is a must-have for every home that owns a pet, and many even use it for humans that happen to pick up a tick from the garden, camps, or elsewhere. It’s an inexpensive but very essential tool, and there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t have one.

PROS: Each package contains 3 of these best dog tick remover tools Made in the USA Independently University Lab Tested

CONS: The plastic is too thick to slide the device easily under the tick Does not work well for small ticks in the nymphal stage

 

4TickEase Tick Remover Dual-Tipped Tweezers

Eliminate unnecessary risks to Lyme disease, tick paralysis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other problems brought about by ticks. So, don’t be without this tick twister from TickEase when you need it most. It removes in seconds, and it’s so effective. It’s an innovation of the spoon types – its handle is more ergonomically shaped and textured.

Tick Removal Tool: What Customers Are Saying

People and pets who live in woody areas or who stay outdoors most of the time are vulnerable to ticks and the diseases associated with ticks. They always have a tool or pesticide for keeping these parasites at bay. Having used the TickEase dog ticker remover, however, they are amazed at how it could remove ticks whole – body, head, and all without any difficulty. They are able to do that all the time when they use the Tick Twister.

For not failing them once, they highly recommend these as one of the best dog tick remover tools. They make the job really easy and uneventful. What used to be a task for at least two people to accomplish has now become a single-person non-job. Dogs also don’t seem to mind, possibly feeling no stress because they don’t sense stress from the person removing the tick.

PROS: Removes ticks in just a few seconds with a couple of quick twists Made of durable plastic Handle is equipped with small nubs for extra grip

CONS: Reading through other pet owners' dog tick remover reviews, some claim this product won't remove the entire tick

 

5 The Tick Key Remover for Dogs

The Tick Key could just be your key to removing ticks from a dog and ending the search for the best tool. It is made of high-strength anodized aluminum and comes in assorted metallic colors that make it look like a key holder instead of a tick remover.

It has a tear-shaped slot, or “keyhole,” that you slip over the tick. Glide the Tick Key towards the narrow point of the slot, gently pull it away from the dog, and pop goes the tick.

Tick Removal Tool: What Customers Are Saying

A few people didn’t have much success using this tick remover tool for dogs, but satisfied pet owners say that not once has it failed them. They assert that the key is using the Tick Key correctly, but shouldn’t all tools be used as instructed by the maker? The pet’s hair must be swept aside, and there must be nothing else between the tool and the tick. The Tick Key has to be set flat on the pet’s skin and parallel to the tick’s whole length to ensure that the instrument is securely under the tick.

They say that ticks would be fully removed in one motion so quickly and so painlessly that pets would rarely notice anything happening, if at all. Pet owners like to attach it to their dog’s leash or their travel backpack to make sure that they have the proper tool when they need it. With the Tick Key, there’s no excuse why a tick should stay a minute longer on your pet’s skin, or anyone’s skin for that matter.

PROS: Made of high-strength anodized aluminum Comes in a variety of colors Easily stored in a wallet, pocket, on a key chain, collar, or a leash

CONS: More difficult to use than most of the other top-rated dog tick removers There must be NOTHING in between the tick and the tool (including dog hair) in order for it to move effectively

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How to Dispose of a Tick After Using a Tick Removal Tool

After using one of the tick removers, you're probably wondering what to do with the ticks. The common mistake most people make is popping the head or body.

Doing tick removal dogs like this can cause exposure to certain pathogens. So, it's best to dispose of the tick properly to keep both you and your pooch safe:

• Soak them in rubbing alcohol
• Soak them in water and flush them later in the toilet.
• Put it in a bag and throw it away.
• Put it in a lidded jar and have your vet test it.

How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Ticks

Prevention is better than cure, as the famous saying goes. Hence, check out the ways you can prevent your dog from getting ticks:

• Make your pooch wear tick collars
• Bathe regularly with medicated shampoos
• Add apple cider vinegar and garlic to your dog's diet
• Drizzle dog-friendly tick sprays in yards and indoor

Does a Tick Removal Tool Work?

Tick removal dog becomes a more manageable task when you have a V-shaped tick removal tool. It does a good job of grasping the tick from its mouth. 

You can check the best tick remover in the list above since it has been reviewed and experienced by many dog owners. 

Are Tick Removers Safe Around my Pets?

Yes. When you're using the best tick remover, it guarantees the safety and comfort of your pooch as well as the efficient removal of those pests.

There is a certain tick removal tool that is soft to the dog's skin and prevents the spread of infection. You can trust tick removers that are also approved by the Centers for Disease Control.

The Best Dog Tick Remover Tools – Take your Pick!

It may be confusing to choose among the best dog tick remover tools in this list. Regardless of your choice, it all boils down to the safety of your pooch. 

Choose a tick removal tool that pinches the insect just enough to get it from your dog's skin. Tick removers come in different shapes and forms.

You choose the best tick remover that works well for all types of ticks and dog hair lengths. That way, you can efficiently remove those ticks, whatever dog breed you may have.

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