Hello!

By

14 Comments

As many regions in Australia enter the high-risk months for paralysis ticks, experts are calling on dog owners to take urgent preventative action now to reduce the risk of deadly tick paralysis.

Advocating for compliance change, Dr Rob Webster, a member of the Australian Paralysis Tick Advisory Panel (consisting of nine veterinary and scientific experts) and a specialist in Veterinary Emergency Medicine and Critical Care says, “Quite simply, paralysis ticks can kill. I am urging dog owners to be compliant, not complacent.”

Research shows that an estimated 3.84 million households own a dog. Of those that live in a paralysis tick area, less than half (48%) are compliant and give tick control products at the correct intervals and right frequency, as often as required for protection.

While those living outside a paralysis tick area, the compliance to use tick control at the correct intervals and right frequency is even lower at just 30%.

Dogs Can Die From Tick Paralysis

Dr Webster continued, “Our goal as a panel, and as veterinarians in general is really clear. We do not want to see dogs die needlessly from tick paralysis. Effective tick control products are available but these only work when given, and this is where compliance is so important.  As paralysis ticks can be found all year round, and not just in summer, it is critical for dog owners to increase compliance and prevent cases from happening in the first place.”

With community restrictions reducing, and local travel on the rise, the message from the panel is to treat now before travelling.

“Parks and bushland are all hotspots for the paralysis tick so even if you don’t live in a zone, make sure your dog is protected,” concluded Dr Webster.

About paralysis ticks

Paralysis ticks are parasites that live by feeding off the blood of mammals such as dogs and are found along most of the eastern seaboard of Australia.

As the ticks feed, they inject a neurotoxin which can cause signs of paralysis. Most cases of tick paralysis occur in the period from spring to autumn, coinciding with the peak number of adult ticks, however cases are seen throughout the year.

Tips for dog owners on how to prevent tick paralysis

  1. Use an effective tick control product all year round, such as a tasty once-a-month NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® chew.
  2. Search your dog daily for ticks.
  3. Reduce exposure to ticks in the home environment by keeping lawns trimmed and removing leaf litter.
  4. If you find a paralysis tick on your pet, remove it immediately, and seek veterinary attention.

It is important to use a tick control product like NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® even if your dog has suffered from tick paralysis in the past, as previous exposure or treatment does not provide protection, and there is no vaccine against tick paralysis.

For more information on how to protect dogs from ticks, fleas, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms visit nexgard.com.au.

What measures do you put in place to prevent paralysis ticks from attacking your dog? Tell us in the comments below.

This article is shared and powered by mom.Connect

  • My daughters dog is treated well for this problem and I no longer have any dogs, but I do live in an area that is free from them. One can never be too vigilant with this problem. These ticks are pretty awful for children and adults if they get them on their bodies too.

    Reply

  • We always stay on top of our tick protection

    Reply

  • My dog doesn’t usually leave our property and when she does it’s only on the footpath. I still treat her with Advantix though

    Reply

  • That is great information so that pet owners can be alert about these ticks.

    Reply

  • We treat our dog with the necessary treatments all year round.

    Reply

  • I have heard of this kind of ticks before.

    Reply

  • Good to know . Thank you for sharing

    Reply

  • A simple tick treatment does the trick.

    Reply

  • Tick bites can be serious, not only for dogs but also for human. My sister has Lyme disease from a tick bite which wasn’t diagnosed till later. If Lyme disease is not diagnosed and treated early, the spirochetes can spread and may go into hiding in different parts of the body. Weeks, months or even years later, patients may develop problems with the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, heart and circulation, digestion, reproductive system, and skin.
    So yes, look after your dogs and yourself !

    Reply

  • I’ve heard such good things about Nexgard

    Reply

  • I’m going to have to start Nex Guard for this spring/summer, but we always make sure to go over out puppies each night for a check.


    • Each night ? Well done, that’s time intensive !

    Reply

  • I’m sure pet owners appreciate information like this.

    Reply

Post a comment
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your comment and join MoM:

You May Like

Loading…

Looks like this may be blocked by your browser or content filtering.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join