Got a pup who loves exploring? Then you’ve probably dealt with ticks—or you’re about to.
If you’re living in Plano and your dog enjoys those beautiful trails at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve (and honestly, who doesn’t?), ticks are just part of the territory. These tiny parasites hang out in woodsy spots, grassy areas, and basically anywhere your curious dog wants to sniff around. Parks, hiking trails, even your own backyard—they’re everywhere.
We’ve seen it countless times: a client brings in their golden retriever after a weekend camping trip, and sure enough, there’s a little hitchhiker attached. But here’s the thing—ticks aren’t the indestructible disease-spreading monsters some people think they are. Yes, they need to come off. And yes, there’s a right way to do it.
Let’s walk through exactly how to remove a tick from your dog safely (because trust me, there’s definitely a wrong way too). Read on to learn how to remove a tick from your dog or make an appointment to see one of our pet groomers in Plano TX.
Did you know we’ve got two main types of ticks here in Plano? Lone Star Ticks and Deer Ticks (also called Black Legged Ticks).
The Deer Tick is the smaller one—sometimes only as big as a pinhead—but don’t let size fool you. Research shows that about 30% of deer ticks in our area carry Lyme disease. The good news? They need to be attached for 36-48 hours before disease transmission typically occurs. So if you find one early, you’re in great shape.
The Do’s and Don’ts.
Before you start pulling, here’s what we’ve learned from years of tick encounters:
Do this:
- Move slowly and deliberately
- Wear gloves (seriously, just do it)
- Have antiseptic ready for afterward
- Get someone to help hold your dog if they’re wiggly
Don’t do this:
- Yank or twist aggressively
- Use your bare hands
- Try to “suffocate” the tick with petroleum jelly (old wives’ tale that doesn’t work)
We had one client try the petroleum jelly method after reading it online. The tick just sat there, happy as could be, for two more days. Don’t be that person.
Method 1: Tweezers
Tweezers aren’t our first choice, but sometimes they’re what you’ve got. If you’re going this route, pointed tweezers work better than the slant-ended ones—less chance of squishing the tick’s body.
First, you need to find the little buggers. Run your fingers through your dog’s fur like you’re giving them a massage. Pay extra attention to:
- Between their toes (ticks love warm, hidden spots)
- Around their ears and face
- Under their legs
- Around the neck area
Once you spot one:
- Push the fur away so you can see what you’re doing
- Grip as close to the skin as possible without pinching your dog
- Pull straight up in one slow, steady motion—no twisting
If the tick is engorged (basically looks like a gray bean), this gets trickier. You’ll need to get your tweezers right down to where their mouth meets your dog’s skin. It’s not pretty, but it works.
Lone Star Tick
Method 2: A Tick Tool
Here’s what we recommend to all our clients: invest in a proper tick removal tool. They look like tiny crowbars with a notch at the end, and they’re designed specifically for this job.
You can grab a multi-pack for under $20—keep one in your car, one in your grooming kit, and maybe one in your hiking backpack. Because here’s the reality: the sooner you remove a tick, the lower the risk of disease transmission. Having a tool ready beats scrambling around looking for tweezers.
How to use it:
- Separate the fur around the tick
- Slide the tool underneath until the tick sits in the notch
- Lift slightly and rotate the tool 2-3 times
- Pop! The tick should come free
Pro tip from our grooming team: take a photo of the tick before you dispose of it. If your dog shows any signs of illness in the following weeks, your vet will want to see what type of tick it was.
What to do if the head doesn’t come out
Sometimes the tick’s head stays behind. Don’t panic—and definitely don’t go digging for it with a needle.
We see this happen maybe 10% of the time, and honestly? Your dog’s body will handle it. Apply some antibiotic ointment and let nature do its thing. The head will work its way out like a splinter, usually within a few days.
One of our regular clients called us in a panic last summer because this exact thing happened. Two days later, the spot healed beautifully and you couldn’t even tell there’d been a tick there.
The Real Game-Changer: Prevention
Here’s what really makes a difference—tick prevention products. Most flea and tick treatments kill ticks within 12-24 hours of attachment, which is well before disease transmission occurs.
We recommend talking to your vet about what works best in our area. Some of our clients swear by monthly oral medications, others prefer topical treatments. The key is consistency—especially during tick season (which in Texas is basically March through November).
When to Call the Professionals
Look, we get it—some dogs are just not having it when it comes to tick removal. If your pup is the type who thinks nail trims are torture, they’re probably not going to sit still for tick extraction either.
That’s where we come in. Our grooming team removes ticks safely all the time, and we’ll check your dog thoroughly for any others you might have missed. Plus, we can show you exactly what to look for and give you some hands-on tips for next time.
Ready for a Tick-Free Adventure?
Your dog doesn’t have to miss out on those gorgeous Plano trails just because of ticks. With the right tools and knowledge, tick removal becomes just another part of responsible pet ownership—kind of like checking their paws for burrs after a hike.
If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn tick, or if your dog won’t sit still long enough for safe removal, bring them by Hound Therapy. We’ll take care of it quickly and professionally, and your pup will leave looking (and feeling) fantastic.
Need tick removal help or want to schedule a full grooming session? Give us a call or stop by our Plano location at 3509 E Park Blvd. We’re always happy to help keep your four-legged family members healthy and happy.