Spring is here and with spring comes the return of the Ticks.

Of the nearly 70 tick species found in Australia, the focus is mainly on one species - the Paralysis Tick.

Ranging from Cape York Peninsula in QLD to Lakes Entrance, VIC, the Paralysis Tick is supported by its natural hosts, bandicoots and kangaroos.

Ticks are reported as being active mainly in spring and early summer, and there is usually an increase in numbers following a short bout of rain, increasing humidity, followed by warm weather.

Signs of Tick Paralysis are usually seen within 3-5 days of attachment (in some rare cases it can be up to 18 days). 

What should you do if you think your pet has a tick???

Contact your vet as soon as possible, they will advise you of the best course of action to take.

Some of these clinical signs include:-

• Change or loss of voice
• Weakness and incoordination of the hind legs
• Changes in breathing rhythm, rate, depth and effort
• Gagging, grunting, and/or coughing
• Regurgitation or vomiting
• Dilated pupils.

Removal of the tick does not stop the progression of the above clinical signs and many animals will deteriorate over the following 24 to 48 hours.

How do you prevent tick poisoning?

• Check your pet thoroughly every day for ticks. Start from the tip of the nose & work your way right down to the tail. Ensure you check between the toes and inside the ears.
• Avoid allowing your dog to wander in the native bushland. However, ticks aren't found exclusively in native bushland. 
• Regularly use insecticides such as the ones listed below if your dog goes outside.

• Advantix ? applied fortnightly
• Frontline Plus ? applied fortnightly
• Tick collars ? such as Kiltix, Preventic or Scalibor - Scalibor is a new 12 week tick prevention collar.  Ask our staff for more information
• Permoxin Rinse ? weekly rinse