Tick paralysis is one of the most common pet emergencies and, with ticks prevalent throughout northern and eastern Australia, it’s not entirely unexpected.
Sadly, tick paralysis isn’t the only risk that ticks pose to dogs. These pesky little parasites are known to carry diseases and tick bites can also lead to inflammation and infection. For these reasons, it’s crucial that all pet parents know what to do to protect against ticks.
Thankfully, there are numerous steps you can take this tick season to protect your dog from ticks. But prevention is, by far, the golden rule when it comes to these potentially lethal parasites. In this article, we give you some useful tips to protect your pooch from ticks.
1. Learn about ticks in your local area
There are four types of tick in Australia that affect dogs. These include the paralysis tick, the bush tick, the cattle tick and the brown dog tick.
Knowing which ticks reside in the area will help you to protect against them. Keep in mind all the environments that your dog may be exposed to, including in your yard at home and when you take them outdoors to grassy or bushland areas.
Even though paralysis ticks and bush ticks prefer dense vegetation, they may enter urban areas by attaching themselves to wild animals, such as possums.
Cattle ticks and brown dog ticks are most active in regional and tropical areas, typically closer to livestock, so consider your proximity to farms and kennels.
2. Use tick prevention products
There are a multitude of products available that are specifically targeted at preventing ticks. These medications range from ingested and topical solutions, to collars and sprays.
Knowing which ticks are in your area will help you in selecting the right tick prevention product. Our veterinarians recommend Simparica for dogs, a monthly tick preventative, which is available in Simparica and Simparica Trio.
Simparica Trio kills 98% of paralysis ticks, bush ticks and brown dog ticks within eight hours of treatment – the fastest knockdown of any product available. A single chewable tablet also provides 35 days of protection against new ticks. It’s safe for use in puppies from eight weeks of age and weighing over 1.3kg.
3. Check for ticks daily during tick season
In Australia, tick season occurs in the Summer months of December to February. During this time, you should check your dog daily for ticks. The sooner you find and remove any ticks, the lower the chances are of tick paralysis and disease transmission.
Paralysis ticks prefer to embed themselves around the head, neck, chest and shoulders. However, they may also be found in the ears, mouth or under the collar, between the paw pads and under the tail, so don’t miss these areas during your search.
Be aware the risk of ticks in regional and tropical areas can be year-round. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behaviour that may indicate a tick bite, such as heavy breathing, vomiting or lethargy, check them thoroughly for ticks.
4. Remove the entire tick, including the head
It’s vital that any embedded ticks are removed completely intact. When ticks are removed improperly, the head may be left behind, which can lead to irritation and infection.
When removing a tick, always wear gloves to avoid exposing yourself to any diseases the tick may be carrying. It’s recommended to use a specialised tool for extracting ticks. These devices enable you to grab onto the tick and pull it off easily.
Your veterinarian will be able to give you advice on the best methods for tick removal. Do not attempt any “wives’ tales” that instruct you to burn, douse or apply products to ticks as these methods don’t work and may make it more difficult to remove the tick intact.
5. Know the symptoms of paralysis ticks
Lastly, familiarise yourself with the symptoms of tick bites. Tick paralysis and tick-borne diseases can be fatal to your dog if not treated quickly, so the best defence you can arm yourself with is information on the clinical signs.
Symptoms of tick paralysis include:
- Heavy breathing, which may be rapid or impeded
- Coughing or any change to the sound of the dog’s bark
- Vomiting, retching or an exaggerated swallowing action
- Wobbliness, lethargy or difficulty standing
Alarmingly, these symptoms can progress rapidly over several days and in the worst cases lead to respiratory or health failure. Using Simparica for dogs, such as Simparica and Simparica Trio is one of the most effective ways to prevent the deadly paralysis tick.
Start using Simparica for dogs today! Our Simparica range includes Simparica and Simparica Trio. One monthly chew provides broad protection for your pooch against the most common ticks, including paralysis tick. Shop the range now!