Paralysis Ticks - Southern Highlands and Beyond

Did you know that parasitic ticks are their most toxic at the start of the 'season' - being the beginning of Spring?  (Late August to early September). The season runs through to Autumn, so protecting your pet year round is the best prevention of a potentially fatal tick bite.

Tick paralysis is a potentially fatal condition, brought on by the toxin of a paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus). The tick toxin affects a dog's nervous system, very quickly deteriorating to severe impairment and potentially death.

Please contact your nearest vet immediately if you think your dog has been bitten by a paralysis tick and/or you see these signs in your pet.

Sources:

SASH -SMALL ANIMAL SPECIALIST HOSPITAL July 2021

NexGard- Boehringer Ingleheim

Paralysis Ticks in the Southern Highlands and Beyond

Now is the time to treat your pet for parasite control that covers paralysis tick.

Deadly paralysis ticks are their most toxic at the start of the season (beginning of Spring) & are potentially fatal. They’re found along the east Australian coastline, especially in bushy areas. Due to fauna hosts like kangaroos, wombats & bandicoots, they can also be found beyond escarpments into areas like the Southern Highlands. We’ve prepared a blog to help you make the best decisions in protecting your pet this tick season. 

See link to read our blog here:

https://www.mittagongvet.com.au/Mittagong/Blog/Paralysis-Ticks-Southern-Highlands-and-Beyond

If you’re worried about a tick on your pet, call your nearest vet to identify if it’s a paralysis tick and get prompt treatment!

A few tips Dr Keith recommends:

• Try to avoid walks in bushland where ticks are picked up easily, especially on the coast

• If your pet has a dense coat, consider clipping it short in the summer/spring tick season, to make checking for ticks easier. See our photo for where to check for ticks on your dog.

• Tick season runs through from August to Autumn, so protecting your pet through Spring & Summer, into Autumn is safest.

• As ticks can at times be active in winter, it’s recommended to cover your pet with parasite control year-round, 

• Cats also get tick bites! If your cat travels with family to coastal areas, or frequent outdoors they’re at risk of tick bite, so check your cat as well. You’ll soon be able to treat your cat preventively (see below).

Please contact your nearest vet immediately if you see these signs in your pet and think they may have a tick bite.

Dogs: Loss of coordination in the back legs (wobbliness), front legs.  Difficulty standing & sitting. Unable to move or rise from a lying position. Paralysis. Heavy rapid breathing, grunting noises and/or abdominal heaving. Change in or loss of bark. Coughing & gagging. Dilated pupils.

Cats: Heavy breathing (panting, noisy breathing) Coughing. Vomiting. Heavy salivation.

Only use reputable Flea & Tick control treatment products on your pets; from veterinary hospitals or pet shops. We do not recommend Flea & Tick Control products from supermarkets as they may not be as effective in coverage.

For dogs we recommend purchasing Nexgard, Nexgard Spectra, Bravecto, Simparica.

For cats we recommend Nexgard Spectra for cats, Bravecto for cats, Felpreva. Please note, Selamectin will not cover for ticks (only worms and fleas). Never give your cat a canine flea/tick control as it will make them very sick or can be fatal. Only use topical cat parasite control. And only give the correct dose rate to your pet.

If you need help with knowing what size/dose to give your pet or giving these products to your pet (don’t be embarrassed... it can happen to anyone), ask your local vet for help.

Paralysis Ticks can be found in the Southern Highlands, mainly along the escarpment (anywhere east of the Old Hume Highway) Towns include Kangaloon, Robertson, Fitzroy Falls, Werai, Avoca, Eastern side of the Wingecarribee Reservoir , Wingello, Penrose, Bundanoon (near Milton National Park). 

These ticks will travel on hosts up the escarpment, from the coast.

You can still bring paralysis ticks home with you if you travel to the coast without your pet, on towels, clothing, blankets, as example. So it’s important that all items are shaken out well before being brought back, and washed well on return from the beach, bushwalk, or picnic on the coast.

© Mittagong Veterinary Hospital 2024