It is worth pointing out that dogs can die, also of infection carried by the tick! My friend lost two working german pointers in the past 10 years.
If, when you are removing the ghastly things - you rotate them - clockwise whilst pulling they come out head and all and apparently much more easily!
We, up her around Exmoor, have them as regular uninvited guests. I did not like using the new tick remover spot on as I do not like putting chemicals into the dog and if they get wet - it invalidates the treatement. I do use frontline for the flea protection which gives short term protection against ticks and use the gadgets for the rest of the time.
I used to have a woodburner and if you put the ticks into the fire to destroy them they go off with a very satisfying pop!
Old Bird
;D