Paralysis ticks (Ixodes Holocyclus) are dangerous parasites that attach to our dogs & cats causing paralysis and even death. These ticks are carried by native animals like bandicoots and breed predominantly along the east coast in warm and humid weather. Recent evidence has shown an increase of the tick locally in the Highlands which has traditionally not been a common area.
It is the female paralysis tick that causes paralysis tick toxicity. Once attached it begins to feed by burrowing its mouthparts into the animal’s skin and sucking blood – it then starts producing a potent toxin that affects the animal’s central nervous system and causes progressive paralysis and possibly death.
While there is an anti-serum available to treat tick paralysis, treatment is expensive and very much dependent on early identification of symptoms by the owner and immediate veterinary attention.
Symptoms that your pet may display if they are suffering from tick paralysis include:
- Weakness or paralysis in the back legs, progressing to the front legs
- Wobbling and lack of coordination
- Coughing or gagging
- Change in tone of the bark
- A grunt on breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Regurgitating or vomiting
- Drooling
- Inability to stand
- Facial paralysis
We recommend preventative treatments to kill and repel ticks that come into contact with our pets. For dogs, use the virbac preventic tick collar if travelling to a known ‘tick area’, this collar must be applied 48 hours before the dog is fully protected. For year round protection, apply Frontline plus for dogs every 2 weeks or Frontline spray for up to 3 weeks coverage. For cats, apply Frontline spray for up to 3 weeks coverage. Bravecto is another effective product which provides coverage for paralysis ticks for 4 months! Bravecto is simple to give to dogs as it is a meat flavoured chewable tablet.
For further information, call in & see us in the store, or email us: admin@weknowpets.com.au
4/72-76 Station St Bowral NSW 2576
PH: 024862 1175
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