I took Sam to the vet today for his vaccinations and got the vet to look above his eye where I removed a tick 3 weeks ago using the vaseline method. I have used this method before with no problems but this time it didn't work and the head was left in so he needs a little op to get it out. I shall now be investing in a little hook that the vet recommended. Its seems quite early in the year for ticks but beware.
Ange

I have already pulled several ticks off of my dogs already this year, it seems to be no forest land is without the horrid little things (Ticks that is not Munsters!) ;)

I was given a great tick remover from the US years ago, shaped like a deep spoon with a slot in the bowl bit of the spoon, you put the slot around the tick and pull!

I have managed to leave bits once or twice over the years.  I always found they work their own way out over a few weeks, finally forming a bit of a scab which you can brush off.  Of course I watch for infection but I don't think they are in danger of something like Lymes desease once the body sack, with other creatures' blood in, has been removed if it was infectious it would have been passed on by now anyway.

Christine, I believe you mean tick hooks, which around here (Wilts.) you  can buy from the vet for about £3, and that includes two different sizes. The hooks really are the best thing, it seems to be impossible NOT to get the whole thing out! (already had two this spring!) After you have pulled the damn thing out (it makes a revolting popping sound sometimes, yuk...), all you are left with is a bit of a bump, which goes down over the next 7-10 days- the bump is not infectious and shouldn't bother the dog in any way, nor require any treatment. I really do wonder why so many people are still faffing around with creams , lotions and potions, when it is so simple to pull the tick out, and after doing so you can actually see the mouth bit  of the tick underneath the hook just to make sure that it came out.

I used a nit comb when one decided to attach itself to my daughters back last year, evil little git. I used the comb very quickly and it worked, just combed it off. Left nothing in her, may just have been lucky I guess. Being quick was the key so it didn't have a chance to embed itself deeper, oooh I hate them. Making me itch just thinking about it.

Hi Scamp,

I have seen tick hooks and it isn't one of those, I have actually have never seen anything like it since I got it, as I say it was bought as a 'souvenir' from America for me & it's one of the best souvenirs I've had!

Sam is now back home he looks in a bit of a state, he had 3 stitches by the side of his eye but he's ok.The vet is sending the "mass" off for tests just to make sure there are no problems. I've been given  2 little green hooks called O'TOM crochet hooks to hopefully get rid of the little blighters in future.
Ange

Hello again Christine,
based on your description I though you might have meant one of these chaps: http://www.interpet.biz/TickHook.html
Nevertheless, these ones do the trick, bar the annoying and sickening popping sound! :D

ps. How sad are we, getting all excited about a tick removal tool for a souvenir- most people want fags and booze etc. but not us, oh no... :D

Edit to say that the "link" above seems to be what Ange has been given by the vet. Hope the little patient recovers well. :)

Scamp,

I am even sadder as I have just gone looking through Google to try & find what it is I was given...and I found it!!!!!  :D  :D  :D

http://www.tickedoff.com/

Christine