It's a feeling every dog owner dreads: running your hand through your pet's fur and feeling that small, alien bump. Finding a tick is definitely unsettling, but the most important thing to remember is to stay calm and act deliberately.
The key is to act immediately but avoid panic. Folklore "remedies" like trying to smother the tick with petroleum jelly or burn it with a hot match are not only ineffective, they're dangerous. These methods can stress the tick, causing it to regurgitate saliva back into your dog, which is exactly how diseases are transmitted.
What to Do the Moment You Find a Tick
That heart-sinking moment when you find a tick can be jarring, especially here in the El Paso area where our dogs love to explore the outdoors with us. But panic is the enemy of a safe removal. Your goal isn't just to get the tick off; it's to remove it cleanly and completely without leaving any part of it behind.
Think of it like a small, precise mission. A clear head is your best tool.
Get Your Tick Removal Kit Ready
The worst time to go searching for tweezers is when you've got a live tick attached to your dog. Being prepared makes all the difference. We recommend putting together a small, dedicated kit and keeping it where you can easily find it.
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool: A dedicated tick hook (like a Tick Twister) is fantastic, but pointed tweezers work well too. You need something that can grab the tick's head right where it meets the skin without squeezing its body.
- Antiseptic wipes or rubbing alcohol: You'll need this to clean the bite area after the tick is out, and to sterilize your tools.
- A small, sealed container: A little jar or a zip-top bag with a bit of rubbing alcohol inside is perfect. This safely contains the tick in case you need to have it identified by your vet later.
- Disposable gloves: It’s a simple but smart way to protect yourself from anything the tick might be carrying.
At Glomore Grooming, we've built our reputation on a calm, one-on-one approach that you won't find at big-box chains like PetSmart or Petco. This focused environment lets us perform meticulous skin and coat checks during every premium pet grooming session, often spotting parasites before owners even know they're there.
Dangerous Myths to Ignore
Please, resist the urge to Google "home remedies for ticks." You'll find a lot of dangerous, outdated advice out there.
Applying things like nail polish, oil, or heat doesn't make the tick back out gracefully. It causes the tick to panic and essentially vomit its stomach contents into your dog's bloodstream. This dramatically increases the risk of transmitting serious illnesses like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The only safe way is a direct, mechanical removal with the right tool.
This commitment to doing things the right way is at the core of our El Paso dog grooming services. We don't just groom dogs; we aim to give our clients practical knowledge they can use at home. And for that regular, expert check-up, our affordable grooming promo, "Snip & Style Saturday," is a great option.
If you find a tick and just don't feel comfortable removing it yourself, don't hesitate to call a professional. A steady, experienced hand can make all the difference. When you need that help, Glomore Grooming is here. Book now and let us give you and your dog peace of mind.
The Right Way to Remove a Tick Safely and Effectively
Okay, you've got your tools, and your dog is as calm as can be. Now comes the removal. This is where a steady hand and a calm demeanor really count—something we pride ourselves on at Glomore Grooming. The goal is simple but critical: get the entire tick out, head and all, to minimize the chance of infection. Rushing at this stage can easily cause the head to break off, and that just complicates things.
First, gently part your dog's fur around the tick. You need a clear, unobstructed view of exactly where it has latched onto the skin. This isn't just a minor detail; seeing the point of contact is essential for getting a proper grip on the parasite.
This handy visual shows the three must-have items for a clean, safe removal.
Having your tweezers, antiseptic, and a sealed container ready to go can turn a potentially stressful moment into a quick, manageable task.
The Correct Removal Technique
Using your fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, get as close to your dog's skin as you possibly can. You need to grab the tick by its head and mouthparts—not its swollen, blood-filled body. Squeezing the body can actually push harmful bacteria and saliva right back into your dog's bloodstream, which is exactly what we're trying to avoid.
Once you have a firm grip, pull straight up with slow and steady pressure. Do not twist, jerk, or yank the tick. Think of it like pulling out a tiny splinter. This smooth, consistent motion gives you the best chance of removing the entire tick, head included. Twisting is a common mistake that almost guarantees the mouthparts will break off and get stuck in the skin.
What If The Head Breaks Off?
Even when you do everything right, sometimes the head or mouthparts get left behind. Don't panic. The worst thing you can do is start digging at your dog's skin, which will only cause more irritation and could lead to an infection. That little black speck is usually just the mouthparts.
Clean the area well with an antiseptic. In most cases, your dog’s body will naturally push out the remaining bits over the next few days, just like it would with a splinter. Just keep a close eye on the spot for any signs of infection, like excessive redness, swelling, or any kind of discharge. If you're worried, a quick call to your vet is always the best move. Our guide on how to groom a dog at home has more great tips on performing regular skin checks.
At Glomore Grooming, our veteran-owned independence means we answer to a higher standard—yours. We don't rush through appointments. This allows us the time to perform the kind of detailed, hands-on skin inspections that catch parasites early, a level of care that sets our premium pet grooming apart from high-volume chains.
To help you remember the key points, here’s a quick reference guide.
Tick Removal Do's and Don'ts
| Action (Do This) | Mistake (Avoid This) |
|---|---|
| Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick hook. | Using your fingers or blunt tweezers. |
| Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. | Squeezing the tick’s body. |
| Pull straight upward with steady, even pressure. | Twisting, jerking, or yanking the tick. |
| Clean the bite area and your hands afterward. | Trying to burn or "suffocate" the tick with oils. |
| Dispose of the tick in a sealed container or rubbing alcohol. | Flushing it down the toilet (it can survive). |
Following these simple guidelines dramatically reduces the risk of complications.
It's so important to act fast, because the ticks you find are often the most dangerous. Research has shown that 99% of ticks removed from dogs are adults. These adult ticks carry an alarming number of diseases—one study found that 26.2% carried the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. These stats really highlight why proper, immediate removal is non-negotiable, as an engorged tick has had more time to transmit whatever it's carrying. You can explore the full research on tick-borne pathogens if you'd like to see the data for yourself.
If doing this yourself feels like too much, please leave it to the professionals. Our El Paso dog grooming studio is fully equipped to handle tick removal safely and calmly, guided by our G.LO. values of Greatness, Loyalty, and Ownership. Book an appointment or grab a spot in our next Snip & Style Saturday promo to make sure your dog gets the expert care they deserve.
After the Tick Is Out: Care and What to Watch For
Getting the tick off your dog is a huge relief, but your job isn't quite finished. What you do in the moments and weeks that follow is just as important for preventing infection and catching any potential problems early. Think of it as the critical follow-through—something we take very seriously at Glomore Grooming.
First things first, clean the bite area well. A little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or a good antiseptic wipe will do the trick. You’ll probably see a small red bump, a bit like a mosquito bite, which is totally normal. This little mark should fade over the next few days. Just try to keep your dog from licking or scratching at it so it can heal up without any issues.
Watching for Signs of Tick-Borne Illness
Now comes the watchful waiting period. Unfortunately, tick-borne diseases don't pop up overnight, so you'll need to be your dog's best advocate by keeping a close eye on them for the next few weeks.
Pay attention to any changes in their behavior, no matter how small. Sometimes the earliest signs are very subtle.
Here are the most common red flags for tick-borne diseases in dogs:
- Lethargy: Is your usually bouncy pup suddenly acting tired and sluggish? That's a big one.
- Fever: A classic sign that their body is fighting something off.
- Loss of Appetite: When a dog turns their nose up at food, it's often the first clue they aren't feeling well.
- Lameness or Sore Joints: Watch for any limping, stiffness, or hesitation to jump or play. Sometimes this pain can even seem to move from one leg to another.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: You can gently feel for swelling under their jaw, in front of their shoulders, or behind their back knees.
This kind of proactive monitoring is at the heart of what we do. Our premium pet grooming isn't just about a great haircut; it's a nose-to-tail wellness check. We often spot bumps, skin problems, or other little things that can easily be missed during day-to-day life.
Why You Have to Stay Vigilant
Even with the best tick preventatives on the market, no method is 100% foolproof. It's a sobering fact: despite billions being spent on tick control, canine tick-borne diseases are on the rise.
According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, cases of canine Lyme disease shot up by nearly 40% between 2015 and 2019. In that same timeframe, anaplasmosis cases practically doubled. As communities like ours in El Paso expand into what was once natural habitat, our dogs are more exposed than ever. You can read more about the rising risks of tick-borne diseases to understand why expert care has become so essential.
This is where the discipline and detail-oriented approach of a veteran-owned grooming studio really shines. We don't see a line of pets to get through; we see one cherished family member who deserves our full, focused attention. Our one-on-one appointments guarantee we have the time to be thorough—a luxury you just don't get at a busy, high-volume chain.
We created our affordable grooming promo, "Snip & Style Saturday," to make this level of proactive care accessible to more of our El Paso neighbors. It’s a great way to stay ahead of potential health issues. If you spot any of the symptoms mentioned above after removing a tick, call your veterinarian right away. And for an expert set of eyes and some extra peace of mind, contact Glomore Grooming today to book a session or claim your promo spot.
Building a Proactive Tick Prevention Plan
Once you’ve successfully removed a tick from your dog, the first question on your mind is probably, "How do I stop this from ever happening again?" I get it. The best defense is always a good offense, and a proactive, year-round prevention plan is your single greatest weapon against these nasty parasites.
This is especially true here in the warm El Paso climate, where ticks can be a constant threat. We're not just talking about using a single product; we're talking about a disciplined strategy that combines your diligence at home with professional oversight. This multi-layered approach is, without a doubt, the most effective way to protect your dog’s health and give you some much-needed peace of mind.
Year-Round Diligence in El Paso
Here in our region, ticks don't just pack up and leave for the winter. That makes consistent, year-round prevention an absolute must. The foundation of any good plan is a vet-recommended preventative—whether that’s an oral chew, a topical treatment, or a specialized collar. The real key here is consistency.
It’s a story I hear all the time: a dog owner finds a tick and has that sinking realization they missed last month's dose. A global survey actually found that more than half of all dog owners (51%) have dealt with a flea or tick problem. The issue often comes down to simple adherence. The same survey revealed that 46% of owners admitted to forgetting a dose in the past year, and 56% struggled to administer it consistently. That gap in protection is exactly where parasites sneak in. You can discover more insights from this pet owner survey to see just how common these challenges are.
Your daily routine is also a huge part of your defense. Get into the habit of doing a quick "tick check" every single time your dog comes back inside, paying extra attention to their favorite hiding spots:
- In and all around the ears
- Deep between their toes and paw pads
- Underneath their collar
- In the armpits and groin area
The Role of Professional Grooming in Prevention
Think of professional grooming as your second line of defense, perfectly bridging the gap between your at-home checks and your vet's care. At Glomore Grooming, our premium pet grooming sessions are built on a foundation of disciplined, meticulous care. It's a standard that truly sets us apart from the rushed, high-volume environment you might find at chains like PetSmart or Petco.
Our one-on-one appointments mean we have the time and focus to conduct a thorough, hands-on inspection of your dog's entire body. We feel for abnormalities and check every inch of skin, something that's nearly impossible in a chaotic, multi-dog setting. This is the Glomore difference—a commitment born from our veteran-owned grooming principles of Greatness, Loyalty, and Ownership.
We often find ticks that owners have missed, especially in those hard-to-see places. Our process is so much more than a bath and a haircut; it's a comprehensive wellness check. We also want to empower you with great resources for at-home care, like our guide on finding the best tick shampoo for dogs to supplement your routine.
Making Proactive Care Accessible
We firmly believe this essential level of care should be within reach for every dedicated pet owner in the El Paso community. That's precisely why we created our affordable grooming promo, Snip & Style Saturday. This monthly event offers our full, premium grooming service at a special price, making it easier than ever to integrate professional checks into your dog’s year-round prevention plan.
Don't wait until you find another tick. Take control of your dog's health by building a proactive strategy today. A partnership between your diligence, your vet's guidance, and our expert grooming creates a truly formidable barrier against parasites. Reserve your promo slot for the next Snip & Style Saturday, or contact Glomore Grooming to book a comprehensive session today.
When to Call in a Professional Groomer
While you can definitely handle removing a single tick at home, there are situations where calling in a pro is the smartest and safest move. Knowing when to hand the tweezers over to an expert is key to responsible pet ownership.
Think about it this way: if you find your dog is crawling with multiple ticks, that's an infestation. Trying to tackle that on your own can be overwhelming and you risk leaving parts of the ticks behind, which can easily lead to nasty skin infections.
Another clear sign to call for backup is when a tick has latched on in a really sensitive spot. Places like the delicate skin near their eyes, inside an ear canal, or around their genitals require a steady, experienced hand. One wrong move in these areas can cause your dog a lot of pain and even serious injury.
The Glo More Grooming Difference
This is exactly where a disciplined and focused groomer becomes invaluable. At Glomore Grooming, we've built our one-on-one, home-based studio to be the complete opposite of a chaotic, high-volume big-box store like PetSmart or Petco. We intentionally limit how many dogs are here at one time. This ensures your pet gets our full, undivided attention in a calm environment—something that's absolutely critical when dealing with a stressful procedure like tick removal.
Our background as a veteran-owned grooming business shapes everything we do. It's not just a label; it’s the source of our precision, resilience, and unshakeable commitment to the highest standards. To us, your dog isn't just another appointment on the books. They're family, and they deserve focused, compassionate care every single time.
As part of our premium pet grooming service, every dog gets a meticulous, nose-to-tail inspection. We have the right tools and the expertise to remove ticks safely and completely, clean the bite site properly, and give you total peace of mind.
Elevated Care for Any Situation
Sometimes, the reason to call us is simple: you're just not comfortable doing it yourself. And that’s perfectly okay! We’re here to be a trusted partner in your pet’s health. For those who need comprehensive support, our white-glove Concierge Service offers a completely seamless solution.
We also believe expert care should be accessible. Our affordable grooming promo, the monthly Snip & Style Saturday, is a fantastic way to get professional eyes on your dog regularly. And if you ever find yourself in a pinch, it's good to have a list of same-day groomers near you who share our high standards.
Don't let a tiny tick turn into a major health problem. For calm, expert removal and the best care in El Paso, contact Glomore Grooming today or book now to secure your spot.
Got Questions About Tick Removal? You're Not Alone.
Even after you've successfully removed a tick from your dog, a lot of questions can pop into your head. Here in the El Paso community, we hear the same worries from caring pet owners all the time. Getting the facts straight is the best way to feel confident and stay on top of your dog's health.
One of the first things people ask is, "What do I do with this thing now?" Whatever you do, don't crush it with your fingers. That's a quick way to expose yourself to whatever nasty stuff the tick might be carrying. The best move is to drop it into a small, sealed container with a little bit of rubbing alcohol. This not only kills the tick but also preserves it, which can be really helpful if your vet needs to identify it later.
What to Expect After the Bite
It's perfectly normal to see a small, red bump at the bite site for a few days—think of it like a mosquito bite. This is just a little local inflammation from the tick's saliva and usually isn't a reason to panic.
However, you'll want to keep an eye on it. If you notice the area getting more swollen, oozing pus, or feeling hot, that's your cue to call the vet. Those are classic signs of a secondary infection.
And please, never try to pull a tick off with just your fingers. It might seem like the quickest way, but it's a huge mistake. Squeezing the tick's body can inject its stomach contents right back into your dog, and you almost always end up leaving the head stuck in the skin. Always, always use proper tools like fine-tipped tweezers or a tick hook for a clean, safe removal. It's this kind of disciplined, by-the-book approach we live by at Glomore Grooming.
As a veteran-owned business, our independence is everything. It's what allows us to build a long-term vision for pet care in El Paso. We're here to give you practical advice and premium care that you just won't find at the big-box chains like PetSmart or Petco.
Make Tick Checks Part of Your Routine
So, how often should you be on the lookout? During peak tick season here in our region, a quick daily check is a great habit, especially for dogs who love exploring the outdoors.
A simple, five-minute scan of their favorite tick hiding spots can catch a problem before it starts.
- In and around the ears
- Between the toes
- Under the collar or harness
- In the "armpits" and groin area
Making this a consistent routine is a huge part of responsible pet ownership and a key element of the premium pet grooming philosophy we practice every day.
At Glomore Grooming, we believe that top-tier care comes from a foundation of discipline and real-world expertise. We want to be your trusted partner in keeping your dog healthy and happy. For a professional skin and coat check that gives you complete peace of mind, book a session with our team.