Australia’s east coast has entered the paralysis tick season early this year with veterinary clinics already reporting cases.
Animal experts are predicting a bad season ahead, warning pet owners to began prevention treatments now if they haven’t already.
Media veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren is warning dog owners to be more vigilant and proactive when it comes to protecting dogs against paralysis ticks.
Having seen the devastating effects of paralysis ticks first hand, she is urging pet owners to be vigilant, appealing to all dog owners to proactively talk to their local vet about paralysis ticks now to avoid heartache later.
“Over the past twenty years I have seen many heart breaking situations where people have lost their beloved dogs to tick paralysis or spent thousands of dollars in vet bills. These ticks can be lethal and preventative treatment, coupled with daily searching for ticks on your dog, is absolutely essential. Talk to your vet and be prepared this tick season with the right plan for long-lasting protection.”
Australia’s paralysis tick season runs from September to March – the time when adult female ticks are most abundant. This can vary region to region.
The paralysis tick -Ixodes holocyclus -is unique to Australia’s east coast and is the most dangerous parasite for dogs to deal with each year.
Bravecto paralysis tick fact sheet
- The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is the single most dangerous parasite for dogs on the eastern coast of Australia with just one tick capable of causing paralysis and even death.
- The paralysis tick causes paralysis in a variety of forms, but typically starts with weakness of the hindquarters, progressing to total paralysis of all four legs.
- Other early symptoms include the appearance that the dog has something stuck in its throat, vomiting or heavy, loud breathing.
- Dogs should be inspected daily for ticks and, if a tick is found, it needs to be removed immediately with finger nails, tweezers or a tick-removing device.
- After removal of the tick, if owners are unsure as to whether their dog is showing any symptoms of tick paralysis, they need to contact their local vet immediately.
- Due to the devastating effects of paralysis tick on dogs, treatment following infestation is not always successful.
- Prevention of paralysis tick infestation is definitely better than cure and Australian dog owners are urged to speak to their local vet about the latest prevention products for paralysis ticks as soon as possible.
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