Table of Contents
What happens when you try and remove a tick
Why a tick head gets stuck in pets
Why is it dangerous?
How to remove ticks for good
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What to do if a tick head stays in your dog?
- By Hannah
-
- May 27, 2026
- 3 MIN READ
Removing ticks properly is crucial to avoid potential health risks in your dog, but if the tick is fully embedded and it's head is stuck then you need to reassess the situation. Here's how to remove the entire tick from your dog's skin and how to kill ticks to get rid of them on your pet, and in your home.
What happens when you try and remove a tick
When you find a tick on your pet, your first instinct may be to remove it immediately. While this is the right approach, it's essential to do it correctly for effective removal (we’ll talk you through how further down in this post!). If you get too excited and try to remove it with any old tools, you risk doing more harm than good!
Why a tick head gets stuck in pets
In some cases, despite your best efforts, the tick's head may remain embedded in your pet's skin. There are several reasons why this can happen:
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Tick's anatomy: Ticks have specialised mouthparts designed to anchor them firmly to your pet. These mouthparts can be challenging to remove entirely.
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Tick's attachment time: The longer a tick is attached to your pet, the more securely it embeds itself, increasing the chances of the head breaking off during removal.
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Pet's reaction: If your pet reacts while you're removing the tick, it can lead to an incomplete removal.
Why is it dangerous?
Leaving a tick head embedded in your pet's skin can pose potential risks:
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Infection - An embedded tick head can lead to infection at the bite site, causing discomfort and health issues for your pet.
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Tick-borne diseases - Some nasty tick diseases can be transmitted even if the tick's body is removed so it's really important to remove the entire tick. the importance of complete removal.
How to remove ticks for good
If you've encountered the situation where a tick's head is stuck in your pet, here's how to ensure complete removal and reduce the risk of infection or disease spreading:
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Always be prepared - Firstly, pop on some gloves to protect yourself! Then grab your tick hook. These are available at most pet stores and online retailers. Before you begin, make sure your pet is relaxed and comfortable. Having a helper to keep your pet still can be beneficial, especially if your pet is the anxious type.
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Position the tick hook - Hold the tick hook with the notch facing the skin. The hook should be placed as close to the skin's surface as possible.
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Twist and pull - Gently but firmly, twist the tick hook a few times in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. This action should help to loosen the tick's grip on your pet's skin.
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Lift the tick - With a slow and steady motion, lift the tick hook and the attached tick away from your pet's skin. The tick hook's design allows for easy removal without squeezing the tick's body.
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Check for residue - Once the tick is removed, check to ensure that no parts of the tick are left behind. If you notice any, gently remove them using the tick hook or consult your vet just to be sure.
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Clean and disinfect - After successfully removing the tick, clean the area with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. Don't forget to wash your own hands thoroughly too!
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Preventative measures - Using a vet approved tick treatment like Itch Flea & Tick Treatment for Dogs is the most effective way to prevent kill ticks. Although a tick may still attach itself to your pet, Itch Flea will kill it within 48 hours. Then you just need to remove it safely, as ticks can remain attached, even once dead.
Dealing with tick removal can be a delicate process, especially when a tick's head becomes stuck in your pet's skin. However, with the right tools, technique, and patience, you can safely and effectively remove ticks for good. Remember, tick prevention is equally important in protecting your pet from diseases - For more information on for the best tick treatment for dogs, click here!
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How long do ticks stay on pets for?
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