Tick season in full swing: Estonian vet shows correct tick removal technique

Tick season is in full swing, and pets are frequently targeted by the parasites. An Estonian veterinarian demonstrates in a video how to correctly remove a tick from your pet.

Tick season has arrived in Estonia, and pet owners across the country are facing a familiar seasonal challenge — finding and removing ticks from their animals. Veterinary experts note that pets seem to attract ticks particularly often, making it essential for every animal owner to know the correct removal technique.

An Estonian veterinarian has put together an instructional video demonstrating the proper method for tick removal. The key message is straightforward: ticks must be removed carefully and correctly to avoid leaving the head embedded in the skin, which can cause infection or other complications.

Experts recommend using a dedicated tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers, gripping the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure. Twisting or jerking motions should be avoided, as these increase the risk of the tick's mouthparts breaking off. After removal, the bite area should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

Pet owners are also advised to check their animals thoroughly after every outdoor walk, paying close attention to areas such as the ears, between the toes, and around the neck and collar area. Preventive tick treatments, including spot-on solutions, collars, and oral medications, are widely available through veterinary clinics and pet shops throughout Estonia.