NO-FUSS TICK REMOVAL
We’ve all heard advice about the best way to take ticks off of horses, from coating them with nail polish to “cauterizing” them with a smoldering match head. But these approaches aren’t necessarily effective and may be counterproductive, causing the tick to regurgitate its meal, possibly increasing a horse’s exposure to disease-causing pathogens.
Instead, keep it simple when it comes to tick removal. Using tweezers with a flat head, grab the tick near the skin and gently but firmly pull it out at the angle of attachment. Drop the tick in a jar that contains rubbing alcohol to kill it, then wash your hands thoroughly.
Don’t worry if the head of the tick remains embedded in the skin. The horse’s body will mount an immune response and eventually reject it, forming a pimple in that location. If the pimple is easily accessible, you can squeeze the head out, but don’t go reaching up into delicate areas---such as high up on the thigh ---or you’ll risk getting kicked.
After the tick is removed, keep an eye on the area around the bite for a day or two. A rash or swelling may signal a developing infection. Report your concerns to your veterinarian, who may come out for a farm call or may advise you to monitor your horse’s temperature twice a day for several days. If there’s an indication of systemic infection, an antibiotic might be necessary.