Just found a tick on my dog, and I'm freaking out a bit. What's the best way to remove it, and do I need to take him to the vet afterward? Is there any chance he could catch something from the bite?

Hi there, I know it can be a bit alarming to find a tick on your furry friend, but you've caught it, so that's a great first step! Here’s what you can do:

To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible, and pull upward with even pressure. Once it's out, clean the area with soap and water, or an antiseptic if you have some.

After removal, keep an eye on your dog over the next few weeks. Check for symptoms like:

• Lethargy or unusual tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling around the bite area
• Fever or chills

If you notice any of these, especially swelling and fever, give your vet a call. These could be signs of infections or tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.

If your dog shows any of these signs more severely, or if he seems in pain or very unwell, that could be an emergency, and you should contact your vet immediately.

After you’ve removed the tick, keep monitoring your dog and make a note of the date and any symptoms, just in case you need to share that info with your vet later.

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.