Common tick removal myths, like using petroleum jelly, a lit match, baby oil, or nail polish remover, could actually harm pets and cause serious health consequences, according to pet telehealth platform Vetster.

And with Florida in the top 10 states with the most tick problems, the situation is getting worse for pets. Ticks are appearing beyond their typical early spring and late fall active seasons due to climate change. 2025 was one of the warmest years on record, with the U.S. recording temperatures 2.6°F warmer than the 20th-century (1901-2000) average. This creates a perfect environment for ticks to thrive.

Tick removal myths

DIY tick removal tricks and myths are making things much riskier. Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian at Vetster, explains: “These methods can damage the skin more or cause a tick to regurgitate its stomach contents, increasing the risk of tick-borne disease.”

“It’s also a myth that ticks leave their heads behind in a bite after they’ve been removed. This persists because an inflamed, scabby sore with a dark spot in the center is the usual, normal result of a tick bite. It’s easy for people to misinterpret that dark center as the head of the tick.”

Removing a tick safely

If you find a tick on your pet, it’s important to remove it promptly and safely. Ticks don’t spread disease right away when they bite, so removing a tick as soon as you find it can help prevent the transmission of tick-borne diseases.  

Here is Dr. Jo’s guide to safe tick removal:

No matter what kind of pet you have, the steps to remove a tick are the same.

1. Wash your hands and wear gloves.
2. Use a clean pair of tweezers or a tick-removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
3. Gently pull straight outward so the skin tents and wait for the tick to release (you may need to pull a little more if the tick isn’t letting go).
4. Clean the tick bite area with soap and water, and wash your hands.

Dr. Jo says: “When removing an attached tick, be careful not to twist or crush it, as this can increase the risk of disease transmission. Squeezing a tick’s body can force its stomach contents, including disease-causing pathogens, into the bite wound or onto your skin. A special tick-removal tool is not necessary for safe tick removal; clean, fine-point tweezers often do the best job.”

“After removing the tick, avoid digging around in the bite wound, as this traumatizes the skin and increases the risk of the bite getting infected. If attempting to remove a tick from a squirmy puppy or kitten, it may help to wrap them in a towel or blanket or have someone else hold them.”

When to contact a vet

Once a tick is safely removed and disposed of, it’s important to do a thorough check of your pet’s body to find and remove any other ticks that may be hiding. It’s normal to occasionally see ticks on pets that have had treatment, as most tick-control products kill ticks after they bite and do not repel them. 

Talk to a veterinarian to more accurately assess your pet’s risk and determine what kind of prevention is best for your situation. Virtual veterinarians can also assist with real-time guidance on safe tick removal.

You should also talk to your vet if:

• Your pet has a heavy tick infestation
• Your pet is displaying signs of illness
• You need help removing a tick
• A tick bite isn’t healing

An online vet can offer step-by-step guidance on how to safely remove a tick from your pet and how to look for other ticks. In addition, they can offer the most up-to-date information on safe and effective tick prevention based on your pet’s species, age, and lifestyle. This saves you time and money by helping you avoid treatments that aren’t right for your pet. 

To view Vetster’s handy visual guide to safe tick removal and to learn more about how to prevent tick bites, read the full blog post here.