Tick season is all year round—and it could be deadly for your pets. As temperatures rise and humidity increases, so does the risk of tick paralysis. Pet owners, it’s time to be alert.
What Is Tick Paralysis?
Tick paralysis is a potentially fatal condition caused by the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus), common along Australia's east coast. As the tick feeds on your dog or cat, it releases a neurotoxin that can cause weakness, difficulty breathing, and even death if left untreated.
Symptoms of Tick Paralysis
Symptoms can appear within 3–5 days of a tick attaching:
- Wobbly back legs or difficulty walking
- Weakness or collapse
- Coughing or gagging
- Vomiting or loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Change in meow or bark (voice becoming hoarse)
If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary help immediately—early treatment can save your pet's life.
Why the Risk Is Higher Now
With recent wet weather in Sydney and increased humidity, tick populations are thriving. Even indoor pets are not immune, as ticks can hitch a ride on clothing, other pets, or humans.
Protecting Your Pet
Here are a few ways to reduce the risk:
- Daily Tick Checks: Run your fingers over your pet’s body every day—especially around the head, neck, ears, and under the collar.
- Tick Prevention Treatments: Use vet-approved tick preventatives.
- Keep Lawns Trimmed: Reduce tick habitats by mowing grass and clearing leaf litter.
- Know the Symptoms: The earlier you notice the signs, the better the outcome.
Final Reminder
Tick paralysis is a true emergency. If you find a tick or suspect your pet has been bitten, contact your vet immediately—even if symptoms seem mild. Early treatment dramatically improves the chances of recovery.
Protect your furry family members this season. Tick prevention isn’t optional—it’s lifesaving.
In case of emergency, find your closest 24/7 vet hospital.
