How to remove ticks
First of all, ticks attached to a Shiba Inu should be removed as soon as possible. Do not pull them off by force with your hands. Even if the body comes off, the mouthparts may remain in the skin and continue to cause itching or infection. This kind of improper handling often leads to inflammation.
The correct method
Step 1: Use a small pair of tweezers and grip the tick close to the legs, avoiding squeezing the body.
Step 2: Gently test whether the tick can be pulled out. If it feels difficult, do not force it.
Step 3: You can place a drop of vegetable oil on the tick first. After the tick suffocates and dies, remove it with the tweezers. Another option is to let a veterinarian use a local anesthetic around the bite area and remove the tick professionally.
Step 4: After removal, if the bite area becomes red or inflamed, you can apply a suitable external anti-inflammatory gel for pain relief, itch relief, and inflammation control as advised by a professional.
If your dog has many ticks, take it to a pet hospital for treatment. A veterinarian may use a medicated wash or dip and combine it with antiparasitic medication when necessary.
Whenever you take your dog outdoors, especially through grass or brush, check the body carefully afterward. Once ticks are brought home, the consequences can be serious. Ticks can also spread to humans, so handle them carefully. If a person is bitten or infected, go to the hospital promptly.