I too have had a big problem with ticks this year, my dogs run out in the fields and I have found loads of the horrors on them. The tool you can buy is the best for getting them out. I have had my rough terriers clipped right off so that you can see them and also the frontline spray can get right down through the coat. When I remove them I put some antiseptic cream on as they leave a lump where they have irritated. They dont seem to bother the dogs much though