Sam Hyer
by SAM HYER
Because as a groomer I am seeing more and more ticks on companion dogs, I thought I would provide this neat removal technique. Please cut this out and post it on the inside of the door of your medicine cabinet. You never know when you will need it for anyone with children playing in tall grass or hunters, dogs or anyone who even steps outside in summer.
This is great, because it works in those places where it’s sometimes difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc. And it assures you that you have the entire tick.
Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for 15 to 20 seconds. The tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away.
This technique has worked every time I’ve used it (and that was frequently), and it’s much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me.
Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can’t see that this would be damaging in any way. Have a safe summer.
Sam Hyer is the owner of Hyer Luv Kennel and Groomers, founder of Mid Michigan Cocker Rescue, life member of ISCC, a Rockford Chamber of Commerce member, American Boarding Kennel Association (Pet Care Services Association) member, guest speaker and lecturer on companion animal topics throughout the country, proud breeder of Oprah’s first cocker Solomon, behavior consultant, parent, grandparent and mom. She can be reached at 874-DOGS or at sam@hyerluv.com.
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