As the warmer months approach, it’s crucial for pet owners to be vigilant about protecting their animals from ticks, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Australia is home to several dangerous tick species, including the Australian paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus), which is most active between September and March, though it remains a threat year-round. This tiny parasite, found along the eastern coast, injects a toxin into pets that can cause paralysis, and in severe cases, death. Even in areas where paralysis ticks are less common, the presence of over 70 other tick species in the country poses a significant health risk. Some ticks carry fatal diseases such as canine ehrlichiosis, which can be deadly if not caught in time.
Effective Tick Prevention Methods
According to Dr. Paul McCarthy, a Newcastle-based veterinarian, modern tick prevention treatments are nearly 100% effective. However, pet owners often forget or neglect to administer these treatments, putting their pets at risk. Dr. McCarthy emphasizes the importance of consistent treatment, as a lapse in protection can expose animals to the dangers of ticks.
Dr. Angela Phillips, a veterinary surgeon at the Sydney Animal Hospital, shares a similar perspective, noting that many of the tick-related cases she encounters could have been avoided if owners had simply kept up with their pet’s tick prevention. There are various prevention products available for both dogs and cats, including monthly treatments and long-lasting injections that can provide up to a year of protection.
In some areas, even a small delay in applying tick protection can result in a pet contracting ticks, with Dr. Phillips citing a colleague who finds ticks on pets just five days after their protection expires.
Checking for Ticks: A Critical Step
Even if your pet is on a tick prevention regimen, Dr. Phillips recommends regular checks for ticks, especially after walks in areas where ticks are prevalent. Ticks often attach around the face, ears, and legs, so it’s important to thoroughly comb through these areas and feel for any small lumps on the skin.
The RSPCA advises starting at the nose and working your way down to the tail when inspecting your pet for ticks. Bushy areas, such as forests and grassy environments, are where ticks are commonly found.
Where Ticks Are Found in Australia
The paralysis tick thrives in humid, moist environments along the eastern coast, from Queensland to Victoria. In Tasmania, Victoria, and southern New South Wales, the southern paralysis tick is prevalent. While this species is less common, it has been responsible for fatal cases in cats.
Another threat is the brown dog tick, which, although it does not cause paralysis, is a carrier of diseases such as ehrlichiosis. It’s widespread across Australia but most commonly found in northern and inland regions. Brown dog ticks can also thrive indoors, often infesting homes, kennels, and pet bedding.
Bush ticks, found along both the east and west coasts, do not cause paralysis but can transmit serious diseases like babesiosis, which is fatal to animals if untreated.
How to Safely Remove a Tick
If you find a tick on your pet, the RSPCA recommends using a tick removal tool, which is designed to safely extract the parasite without leaving parts of it behind. Tweezers can also be used, but it’s important to twist and pull gently to avoid breaking the tick. After removal, store the tick for identification and contact your vet immediately—tick paralysis symptoms can take up to 24 hours to appear.
Symptoms of Tick Paralysis
When bitten by a paralysis tick, pets may exhibit symptoms such as staggering, difficulty breathing, and reluctance to move or jump. Dr. McCarthy explains that the toxin from the tick affects the diaphragm, making it harder for the animal to breathe. This often leads to abnormal breathing sounds, such as grunting.
Some pets, particularly dogs, are more susceptible to tick paralysis, with certain breeds, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, showing more severe reactions than others. Cats seem to be more resistant to the toxin, though they are not immune.
Seeking Treatment
If your pet shows any signs of tick paralysis, immediate veterinary attention is crucial. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the symptoms, but typically involve the administration of antitoxins. In some cases, multiple ticks may be found on a pet that the owner didn’t notice, as ticks can remain hidden under fur.
While many pets recover with prompt treatment, severe cases may require hospitalization and respiratory support, such as ventilation. The cost of such care can be significant, with some owners spending upwards of $14,000 to save their pets.
As tick season approaches, pet owners are urged to stay vigilant and ensure that their pets are fully protected from these dangerous parasites.
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