Beaphar Tick Pen for Cats and Dogs

The advice on removing a tick has not changed in years — do it slowly, straight out, without twisting or squeezing the body — but doing that with fingers or blunt tweezers is harder than it sounds, and a badly removed tick leaves mouthparts behind.

This is a two-sided tick removal tool: one hook size for small ticks, the other for larger ones. You part the fur to expose the tick, slide the V-shaped hook's groove between the skin and the tick, and pull it upward rather than twisting it out.

• Two-sided design: one hook for small ticks, one for larger ticks
• Plastic construction
• For cats, dogs, humans, rabbits and other small animals of all ages and weights
• Small enough to carry in a pocket or bag

One thing worth knowing. Beaphar say the wound left by a tick bite needs cleaning and treating afterwards — with something like a dedicated wound spray or cream — and that any concern over infection should go to a vet or doctor promptly. Removing the tick is only the first step, not the end of the job.

Who it's for: dog walkers, cat owners and anyone spending time outdoors in tick country who wants a proper removal tool in their pocket rather than relying on fingers or household tweezers.