Protect Your Pets This Tick Season: Essential Tips from Your Local Vet
As the temperature rises, so does the risk of ticks threatening the health of our beloved pets. Tick paralysis, a serious and potentially fatal condition, is one of the most common preventable causes of death in dogs and cats along the east coast of Australia. With multiple tick cases already reported this year, it’s crucial to take action now to safeguard your furry friends.
SPOTTING THE SYMPTOMS OF TICK PARALYSIS
Recognizing the symptoms of tick paralysis early can be life-saving. Here’s what to watch for:
In Dogs:
• A change in the sound of their bark or voice
• Gagging or retching
• Regurgitation or vomiting (sometimes with froth)
• Difficulty breathing, often with a characteristic grunting sound
• Wobbliness in the back legs, progressing to paralysis
• Excessive salivation or drooling (sometimes frothing around the mouth)
• Coughing (sometimes moist)
• Loss of appetite
• In Cats:
• Agitation
• Change in the sound of their meow
• Unusual breathing patterns, with a soft grunt at the end of expiration
• Weakness, often subtle at first
• Gagging or retching
• Salivation
• Loss of appetite
• More obvious difficulty in walking, staggering, and swaying as symptoms progress
• Other abnormal behaviors
In some cases, pets may not develop the typical symptoms of tick paralysis. Even if they show other signs of illness, it’s essential to bring them to your vet immediately.
UNDERSTANDING PARALYSIS TICKS
Paralysis ticks are dangerous parasites that latch onto both animals and humans to feed on their blood. As they feed, they release a toxin that attacks the nervous system, leading to severe symptoms such as vomiting, difficulty walking, and even respiratory failure. If left untreated, tick paralysis can be fatal.
Once a tick attaches to its host, it seeks out sensitive, sheltered skin to deeply embed itself and draw blood. A red, raised area or “crater” may develop around the attachment site, indicating the presence of a tick or evidence of a prior attachment. Remember, ticks thrive in bushland, scrub areas, backyards, and even local parks, and they can strike at any time of the year, although they are most prevalent during Spring, Summer, and early Autumn.
PREVENTION IS KEY
For dogs, there is now an option to protect them for up to 12 months with the Bravecto Quantum injection. This long-lasting solution provides peace of mind and we have packages available to make it affordable.
For cats, regular application of tick preventatives is crucial. Consult with your vet about the best options available, and make sure to check your cat regularly, especially if they spend time outdoors.
ACT NOW TO PROTECT YOUR PETS
With the tick season in full swing, don’t wait to take action. Visit us today to discuss the best prevention strategies for your furry companions. Our team is here to help you keep your pets safe and healthy all year round.
