Unfortunately, that’s not true.
Ticks are parasites that can transmit many diseases to our pets, some of which are potentially very serious:
**Babesiosis (Piroplasmosis):** this disease is caused by parasites (piroplasms) that the tick transmits when it bites. These parasites destroy the dog’s or cat’s red blood cells; this is the ‘haemolysis’ phase, which can lead to more or less severe anaemia. This haemolysis is toxic to other organs, which then show signs of failure (kidney failure, liver toxicity, etc.). In the most severe cases, babesiosis can be fatal.
**Ehrlichiosis:** this disease is linked to bacteria (*Ehrlichia canis*) that the tick transmits when it bites. It shows up as lethargy, fever, joint pain... In the blood, we often see a drop in blood cell counts (white and red cells, platelets) because the bone marrow is affected. In its most serious forms, the animal can die.
**Lyme disease (Borreliosis):** this disease, which is common to both humans and animals (a ‘zoonosis’), is caused by the bacterium *Borrelia burgdorferi*. It can cause swollen lymph nodes, kidney failure, heart failure, skin and nervous system problems... and can lead to the death of the pet.
So yes, while it's usually the most severe cases, the risk of death is very real regardless.
Next time, it’s much better to wait and buy a proper tick tool from the chemist than to take such a risk. In the end, the price of a tick remover will be far cheaper than a vet visit, and save a lot of time and stress for both of you.
But it's good that you've shared this story; hopefully it'll help other people out :)
