Ticks are among nature's sneakier creations. They typically hide in tall grass and the woods, just waiting for furry victims to wander by. Sensing the passing warmth and carbon dioxide exhalations of their host, they're quick to jump on board and sink in their blood-sucking fangs.

Once attached, some ticks can infect people and pets alike with a range of nasty diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Their bite can even cause temporary paralysis in some cases, although removing them usually provides a quick cure.

So after any walks in the woods or fields with your dog, you should check your dog's entire body and brush out or remove any ticks you find. These usually attach to a dog's head, ears, neck, or feet, but check the whole body. Give yourself a once over too, particularly your head.

How to remove ticks

1. Everyone knows the first line of a good offense is a good defense. So apply a monthly dose of FRONTLINE® Plus, a flea-killer that also kills ticks within 48 hours after coming into contact with your dog's coat.
2. When you find a tick that's burrowed into your dog's skin, wear latex gloves and use tweezers to gently pull the tick out.
3. Grasp the tick with the tweezers as close to your dog's skin as you can, and then slowly pull back. Don't squeeze tightly as you pull; it may cause the tick to pump disease-causing bacteria, protozoa, or viruses into your dog.
4. If the tick is still wriggling after you've extracted it, do not crush the tick. Drop it in the toilet and flush.
5. Keep an eye on the bite area for signs of infection and call your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.

How not to remove ticks

As obvious as some of this sounds, don't apply lit matches, petroleum jelly, turpentine, nail polish, or grain alcohol to ticks. These folklore remedies don't work, and can be risky for your dog.

Trouble shooting: Sometimes the head breaks off no matter how slowly you pull. That may give you a little thrill of primal vengeance, but it also leaves the tick's mouthparts embedded in your dog.