Pet Tick Awareness - It's a Killer

The early high temperatures have been accompanied by an early start to the tick season and already RSPCA Qld and private vets are seeing a stream of animals being brought in with tick paralysis.   RSPCA Qld’s Senior Veterinarian Dr Anne Chester is warning all pet owners to check their pets thoroughly for any signs of ticks.   “Our main concern is the paralysis tick,” she said. “All pet owners should seek advice from their vet on the best form of tick prevention. There are several alternatives including washes, collars, sprays, spot-ons and tablets. The paralysis tick can act very quickly indeed and can cause severe impairment or worse. It’s a killer!”   RSPCA Qld ‘s spokesman Michael Beatty is one person who can identify with the problem. His dog Hooper had a tick despite wearing a tick collar.   “You really do need to check for ticks daily, even if they are taking tick preventives.” Dr Chester said that people need to be of the early symptoms of tick paralysis. An unsteady staggering gait, a dry cough and even just a change in the animal’s bark or meow could mean they’ve been infected.   “They should seek veterinary attention immediately,” she emphasized. “The sooner the antiserum is administered the less chance there is of the tick poisoning being lethal. Prompt action can and will save lives.”    September marks the start of the paralysis tick season in many parts of Australia, so the beginning of spring should be a reminder to protect our dogs from these little nasties with a recommended tick treatment.