Tick paralysis is one of the most serious preventable conditions we see in pets. Here on the Sunshine Coast, paralysis ticks are active all year round, not just during a set “tick season.” Warmer, humid months bring the highest risk, but pets can be affected at any time of year.
Understanding how to protect your pet can literally save their life.
The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is one of the most dangerous parasites affecting dogs and cats in Australia. Each year, thousands of pets are affected, and sadly, many don’t survive.
Paralysis ticks are commonly found in bushland and coastal areas along the eastern seaboard, including right across South East Queensland.
Once attached, paralysis ticks feed on your pet’s blood and release a toxin that interferes with nerve function. Any dog or cat — regardless of age or size — can be affected.
Signs of tick paralysis can include:
Wobbly or weak back legs
Trouble walking or getting up
Change in bark or meow
Coughing, retching, or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fast or laboured breathing
If you notice any of these signs, contact a vet immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.
You can reduce your pet’s risk by taking a few simple precautions:
Use effective tick prevention all year round. This is essential in our region, even in cooler months.
Check your pet daily. Tick preventatives reduce the risk, but daily searches are still important — it only takes one tick.
Limit access to tick-prone areas. Avoid letting pets roam through long grass, bushland, or areas with leaf litter.
Remove any ticks immediately. The sooner a tick is removed, the lower the chance of serious effects. Monitor your pet closely afterwards.
We’re happy to show you how to do a thorough tick check and help you choose the best prevention products for your pet.
Not all ticks cause paralysis. Brown dog ticks and bush ticks are also found in our region and, while they don’t produce the same toxin, they can still cause problems such as skin irritation and the spread of serious diseases like babesiosis, which can be fatal.
Tick control matters for every pet, even if they don't leave the backyard.
If you're unsure which tick prevention is best for your pet, or if you'd like help learning how to do a proper tick check, we're here to help. Contact Dr Terri’s Home Vet Visits for personalised advice and support — right from the comfort of your home.
Please note: As a mobile veterinary service, we are not equipped to treat cases of tick paralysis. If your pet is showing signs of tick paralysis, please seek immediate care at a veterinary clinic or emergency hospital.
Please enter your search...
Please enter a search term.