MY PET WORLD Q AND A: MAKE TICK ON CHIHUAHUA GO AWAY
By Steve Dale | 10 July 2009

Q: We found a tick on our Chihuahua. What's the best way to remove ticks? Also, is there a solution I can take along when walking our dog to spray on its poop? I pick up the droppings, but sometimes some of the poop stays in the ground. Could this spread disease?

A: Dr. Michael Paul, executive director of the Companion Animal Parasite Council, says, "Use a tweezer and hold it as close as you can get to the pet to get as much of the tick as possible. Don't wiggle; just pull (the tick) straight out. Usually, the mouth parts release. If not, it's not a huge deal." Various tick-extractors are available at pet stores and online, but for Paul's money, he says a tweezer works just fine.

Since ticks transmit diseases to pets and people, it's a good idea to wear latex or rubber gloves while removing these pests. And wash your hands afterward. Washing is also a good idea after you scoop or pick up your dog's waste.

Paul says ordinary plastic bags are fine, but there are lots of ways to snag the waste. It's not very practical to walk around with a bucket of disinfectant. While you may not be perfect about scooping, at least you're trying.

If all dog owners were as responsible as you we'd have fewer parasites passed by feces, and I wouldn't be scraping you-know-what from my shoes so often.

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