Hey Woofa’s,

Ticks can be found all over the continent.

It’s a good idea to become familiar with the ticks in your Country as well as the area in which you live.

Some ticks can affect people and others can affect our pets.

Certain ticks can be deadly to our pets, this is why I’m writing this post.

In some areas ticks can be present all year round.

However, the most popular times ticks are around is in the warmer months, say September through to March.

It’s important to be aware of which ticks are in your area and which ones can be deadly to your pets.

 

WHAT IS A TICK?

Ticks are a type of arachnid that feed on the blood of mammal hosts.

There are certain types of ticks that prefer humans and others that prefer our pets.

Here in Australia, we have many different species of ticks.

The three most important types of ticks to be concerned about (as dog owners) are the paralysis tick, the bush tick, and the brown dog tick.  

All you need to do is a google search on Ticks Around The World and heaps of pictures will come up.

It’s important to get to know the ticks in your Country and where you live.

This way you’ll know which ones to look out for in regards to your pets.

 

AUSTRALIAN TICKS TO WATCH OUT FOR!

1. Paralysis Ticks

Paralysis ticks are the most concerning ticks in Australia, as they can cause death to our pets.

The salivary glands of the paralysis tick produce neurotoxins – a toxin that affects the nervous system – which can lead to paralysis and death if not treated quickly.

Paralysis ticks have pale bodies and long mouth parts with all their legs grouped near their head.

They are typically found in warm, humid regions along the east coast of Australia. Their preferred hosts are native animals, particularly bandicoots.

For images of a Paralysis Tick on your dog CLICK HERE!

 

Symptoms of the Paralysis Tick –

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Staggered walking, difficulty jumping
• Wobbliness, especially in the hind legs
• Reluctance to jump
• Weakness or appearing lethargic
• Collapse
• Vomiting, gagging or retching
• Change in bark or meow
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing and pooling saliva

As the paralysis progresses, it affects the breathing muscles and the pet’s ability to swallow.

Paralysis ticks are deadly without appropriate veterinary treatment including antitoxin.

The sooner vet treatment is initiated the quicker pets may be able to recover.

 

2. Bush Ticks

Bush ticks prefer cattle as their hosts but do attach to dogs and other animals too.

In addition to feeding on blood, bush ticks can carry blood-borne diseases that may pose a health risk to your dog.

Generally, Bush ticks are reddish brown to blue black in colour with legs spread out along the sides of their body.

The appearance and size of a bush tick can change depending on how engorged (full of blood) they are.

For images of a Bush Tick CLICK HERE!

Bush ticks are found mostly along the Australian east coast, from Queensland all the way down to Victoria.

Symptoms of the Bush Tick –

• A tick crater – a wound where the tick’s head was attached.
• Swollen, red skin around the area of the bite.
• Itchiness at the site of the bite
• Pale gums and weakness if there is anaemia caused by a heavy tick infestation

Bush ticks can also carry a deadly blood-borne disease, such as babesiosis.

Symptoms of these diseases in dogs can include anaemia, bleeding disorders, fever, lethargy, or weakness.

If you’re concerned your dog has been bitten by a tick, call your trusted Veterinarian.

 

3. Brown Dog Ticks

While Brown dog ticks don’t produce any disease themselves they can transmit diseases and cause skin irritation.

Brown dog ticks prefer to live on dogs and are rarely found on other animals.

Brown dog ticks are brown in colour and have short mouthparts. Their brown legs are spread along their bodies.

For images of a Brown Dog Tick, CLICK HERE!

Brown dog ticks have adapted to temperate climates and have lower moisture requirements compared to other ticks.

They’re common in central and northern Australia, but have been reported in southern cities like Adelaide and Melbourne.

Symptoms of the Brown Dog Tick –

• A tick crater – a wound where the tick’s head was attached.  
• Swollen, red skin around the area of the bite. 
• Itchiness at the site of the bite. 
• Pale gums and weakness if there is anaemia caused by a heavy tick infestation 

Brown dog ticks can carry deadly blood-borne diseases, such as canine ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis.

Symptoms of these diseases in dogs can include anaemia, bleeding disorders, fever, lethargy, or weakness.

Ehrlichiosis is very serious and is a notifiable disease. 

If you’re concerned your pet has been bitten by a tick, call your trusted Veterinarian.

 

HOW TO CHECK YOUR DOG FOR TICKS?

Tick checks should be performed on your dog (pets) regularly.

Especially if you live in the areas that they are prone to reside in.

To check for ticks, gently run your fingers all over your dog.

From the tip of their nose down to the tip of their tail, look EVERYWHERE.  Ticks can be found in mouths, gums, inside ears, any crevice you can see look into.

You’re looking for a bump that is the tick itself or a wound or area of swelling that may be a crater where a tick was previously attached.  

Ticks can be difficult to find when they first attach to your pet, because they are small and aren’t full of blood yet!!

It is easier to feel ticks with your fingers rather than see them amongst the fur.

When you see a paralysis tick on your pet, it may look like a hard, pale lump on their skin.

Engorged paralysis ticks are characterised by their long mouth parts, pale bodies, and eight legs grouped near their head.

Their middle two pairs of legs are paler than their outer legs. 

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A TICK ON YOUR DOG?

Remove the tick immediately.

Using your thumb and index fingers, gently pinch the section of your pet’s skin that the tick has attached itself to.

Then get as close to the skin as possible and firmly pull the tick out of the skin.

There are tick removers and tick twister tools available to assist with this process!!

Don’t panic if the head of the tick remains attached to your pet; without its body, the tick is unable to inject any more toxin.

Place the tick into a jar so your local vet can identify it.

Take your dog to your trusted Veterinarian straight away just to make sure all ticks have been removed.

Some symptoms may appear over time, a quick response can make all the difference.

 

HOW TO PREVENT TICKS?

There are many products on the market that can assist with tick prevention, some of which are –

• Chews such as Bravecto, Credelio Plus, Nexgard, Nexgard Spectra, Simparica, and Simparica Trio.
• Spot on treatments such as Advantix, Frontline, and Bravecto.
• Tick collars like Seresto.

It is important to note that no tick prevention product is 100% and daily tick searches are imperative.

Keeping your dog’s hair knot free and thoroughly brushed can help with tick detection.

As well as keeping their hair shorter in the warmer months.

 

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

Ticks can be deadly for your dog.

It’s important to be familiar with which ticks are in your area and/or any areas you are traveling to with your dog.

Daily tick checks can help as well as products on the market with tick prevention.

When in doubt always call your trusted Veterinarian.

 

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – IF YOU’VE HAD ANY TICK ISSUES WITH YOUR DOG AND HOW YOU OVER CAME IT?