Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that can easily go unnoticed—and they carry serious health risks. Diseases like Lyme, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever make them more than just a gross inconvenience, especially during the warmer months. I found this out firsthand last summer when my dog somehow became a tick magnet. No matter how careful we were, he’d come back from walks with a few unwelcome hitchhikers. One night, I found three ticks on him—buried in his neck, ears, and belly. I stayed calm on the outside, but inside, I was panicking.

Removing a tick for the first time is nerve-wracking. I grabbed a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and gently pulled each tick out slowly and steadily, being careful not to twist or squeeze, which can make things worse. Afterward, I cleaned the area with soap, water, and alcohol, and cleaned my hands and tools too. I even saved the ticks in a plastic bag, just in case any symptoms appeared later. My friend stayed on a video call during the whole ordeal, cheering me on from a very safe distance—it helped more than I expected.

Although I managed the situation, I learned it’s often best to let a vet or doctor handle tick removal, especially if the tick is deeply embedded, has been there a while, or if you notice symptoms like fever, rash, or fatigue. I took my dog to the vet the next morning for peace of mind.

Since then, I’ve been more cautious. I use monthly tick prevention treatments recommended by our vet, stick to open trails, and check both myself and my dog after every outing. Our yard is trimmed and free of brush, and I now wear long sleeves and light-colored clothes when we’re outdoors. Ticks are dangerous, but manageable—if you stay calm, act quickly, and stay informed.