As the weather warms, the risk of tick paralysis increases.
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Paralysis ticks, also called dog ticks, shell-back ticks or scrub ticks, are a parasite found on the east coast of Australia. They inject a toxin causing paralysis that can be fatal in domestic animals and can also affect humans.
Technical services veterinarian for Bayer Australia Liisa Ahlstrom said pet owners need to be on the look out for symptoms.
More than 80,000 cases of tick toxicoses, mainly in domestic pets, are treated each year in eastern Australia. Symptoms to watch out for include weakness or wobbliness in the back legs, vomiting, change in bark, loss of appetite and difficulty breathing.
"It's important for pet parents that live in or near, or travel with their pets to the east coast to be aware that September's warmer weather brings with it a greater rick of tick paralysis," Dr Ahlstrom said.
Tips to protect your pets
• Search pets every day for ticks by running your fingers through their coat
• Apply a tick treatment on their back between the shoulder blades (for dogs under 25kg) or in 3 to 4 places along the midline of the back (for dogs over 25kg).
• Get your pet to a vet immediately if they show signs of tick paralysis.
Paralysis ticks are also deadly to cats however, dog tick treatments cannot be used on cats or other animals. Consult your vet for the best way to protect your other pets.
