Better ask Barry: Your pets and ticks

It is tick season. The tiny parasites transmit diseases that can be dangerous to both humans and animals. And that leads us to this viewer’s question:

“How do you safely remove a tick that’s latched onto your dog?”

We put that question to Michelle Beagle. She’s a vet tech at Romie Lane Animal Hospital. She suggests using a tick removal tool that looks a bit like a miniature ice cream scoop. You can buy one for about 5 or 6 dollars at most pet supply stores.

She demonstrated the technique for us. “Find the base of the head and the mouth part and slowly put that tick removal device under the tick, and gently pull it off.”

Squeezing, twisting or pulling with your hands is a bad idea, as you could contaminate yourself. And if not done properly, you could leave the tick’s head behind.

Here are some tips for avoiding ticks:

Avoid tall grasses and stay on marked trails Use repellents and preventive medications Wear long pants tucked into socks Check yourself and your pets after being outdoors

‘Got a question? Better ask Barry.

Call (831) 784-6400, email barry.brown@kion546.com, or use this link.