It is extremely important to examine yourself, children and pets several times a day. When you go indoors, shower and check yourself for ticks that may be on your skin, particularly in the areas of the groin, back of knees, armpits, and back of the neck. Look for ticks and also for a rash that may be a symptom of Lyme disease. Remember also that if you remove a tick before it is attached for more than 24 hours, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting Lyme disease. You should consult your veterinarian if any of the above symptoms occur and you live in an endemic area.
Most animals respond rapidly to treatment if promptly administered.
If You Are Bitten Early detection and prompt removal of ticks is extremely important as it may take 24 to 36 hours or more for ticks to transmit the infection. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and slowly pull it straight out. The mouth parts of adult ticks may sometimes remain in your skin, but this will not cause Lyme disease. After removal, apply an antiseptic such as alcohol or an antibiotic ointment. Do not apply mineral oil, petroleum jelly, heat, or anything else to remove the tick as this may cause it to inject the spirochetes into the wound.