Understanding Paralysis Ticks
What Pet Owners Need To Know
The Central Coast of New South Wales is a prime breeding ground for ticks, including the deadly paralysis tick found in local bushland and green areas.
Contrary to popular belief, paralysis ticks are present year-round, with increased activity in spring and early summer. Dr Natashia Evans, Emergency Critical Care Specialist at Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) Gosford, urges pet owners to be aware of the dangers of paralysis ticks, how to check pets, and the warning signs to watch for.
Why are paralysis ticks so deadly?
Paralysis ticks inject a neurotoxin that causes progressive paralysis and respiratory depression. Without treatment, this can be fatal.
What does a paralysis tick look like?
Paralysis ticks have a grey body with legs close to the head: one pair of brown legs near the head, two pairs of white legs and one pair of brown legs near the body. Identifying them can be difficult if they are not fully engorged.
“A vet is often the best person to identify the type of tick; it is vital to take your pet to a vet if you find a tick,” says Dr Evans.
Tick prevention
Use tick preventatives year-round to reduce the risk of bites.
“I recommend giving a preventative a day or two before it is due. Daily tick searches are also important, especially if you’re in or have travelled to a tick-endemic area like the Central Coast,” advises Dr. Evans.
“During holidays, many pets get tick bites because their owners are unaware of the high tick population in certain areas.”
How to check your pet for ticks
Run your fingers through your pet’s fur to feel for bumps, which could be ticks or wounds where ticks were attached. This simple check can prevent a potentially life-threatening situation.
Signs of tick paralysis
- Staggered walking, difficulty jumping
- Wobbliness, especially in the hind legs
- Weakness or lethargy
- Collapse
- Vomiting, gagging or retching
- Change in bark or meow
- Difficulty breathing
What to do if you think your pet has a paralysis tick
If you suspect your pet has a tick, bring them to ARH Gosford immediately, even if they’re not showing symptoms, as these can take time to appear.
A quick response can make all the difference.
Animal Referral Hospital Gosford
P: +61 (0) 2 4323 3886 / 0418 687 314
E: m.mozley@arhvets.com
Unit 3 / 401 Manns Road, West Gosford 2250
