Tick Paralysis
Tick Paralysis
Paralysis Ticks are common in coastal Queensland and New South Wales.
These nasty little parasites can be deadly for dogs, cats, and other species.
What does tick paralysis look like?
The early signs might be weakness or wobbliness in the back legs, and a cough or gag.
Later signs are often vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
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What should I do if I find a tick on my pet?
The first thing to do is to remove the tick. You can use a tick-remover device or just your fingers by pinching close to the skin and pulling the tick firmly. Keep the tick in a container or a zip-lock bag. Then you should contact us and bring your pet in to be checked. Bring the tick with you for it to be identified.
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How do you treat tick paralysis?
Tick Anti-Serum is given to bind the tick toxin in the blood stream. The animal is supported in hospital with intravenous fluids and intensive nursing care while they recover. Depending on how severe the patient's tick paralysis is, hospital treatment can be as short as 24 hours or it could be several days.
Without treatment, most patients will die.
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Can I stop them or prevent them from getting tick paralysis?
YES.
There are lots of reliable tick prevention products available to suit all budgets.
There are monthly treatments, 3 monthly-treatments, 6-monthly treatments, and even a year-long injection!
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Think your dog or cat has tick paralysis?
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Want to learn more?
Download our information sheet about Tick Paralysis!