The Dangers of Paralysis Ticks for Cats and Dogs: Prevention and Treatment

There are many kinds of ticks that exist across Australia – the bush tick, paralysis tick, cattle tick, and brown dog tick. The most dangerous of all these is the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus). Thousands of pets are hospitalised every year due to these parasites. These ticks can result in paralysis and even death if left untreated.

Paralysis ticks are most commonly found in wooded areas and bushland in eastern Australia, and are more prevalent during the warmer months of the year. Outdoor pets that interact with wildlife or play in coastal, or inland bushy or grassy areas are at a higher risk of infection. Read more about how pets contract fleas and ticks here.

Like any other ticks, paralysis ticks attach themselves to the skin of the host and feed on their blood. When these ticks bite, they also inject their saliva into the animal. Their saliva contains a toxin that causes weakness and paralysis. Some indicators of infection in a pet may include, wobbly gait, vomiting, change in voice pitch, difficulty breathing, and collapse. If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Paralysis tick infestations can be life-threatening if left untreated, and prompt treatment is essential for a successful outcome.

Preventing paralysis tick infestations is key, and there are a variety of preventative measures that pet owners can take. One of the most effective ways to prevent paralysis tick infestations is to use a tick-preventative medication delivered by Pet Lover’s Club, which is typically administered monthly. These medications can be highly effective at preventing tick infestations and can also help to prevent the transmission of tick-borne diseases.

Other preventative measures include keeping pets out of wooded areas and bushland, checking pets for ticks regularly, and using tick-repelling collars and sprays. It is also important to keep the yard well-maintained and free of debris, as paralysis ticks can thrive in areas with tall grasses and overgrown vegetation.

These preventative measures can seem dreary, but they are much safer and more cost-effective than treatment. Treatment for paralysis ticks can include intravenous fluids, hospitalisation, and oxygen therapy. If the case is too severe, it may not react to treatment and could be fatal.

Keep your pets safe, protected, and healthy with Pet Lovers Club. Pet Lovers Club provides complete pet parasite protection, right to your doorstep every month so you’ll never have to worry about forgetting! Click here to get started today!

Pet Lovers Club’s pet parasite protection also protects your pet from other parasites like fleas, heartworms and intestinal worms – learn more about why you should protect your pet from all these other nasty parasites here.