Ticks in Australia

Below is a chart of the different ticks we see in Australia. The most important one is the paralysis tick as this small tick can cause paralysis or even death of your beloved pet.

Ticks are blood-feeding external parasites.They are often found in tall grass, plants and bushes, where they will wait to attach to a passing host such as your dog. On dogs, ticks will often latch on to fur, and then work their way in until they find a prime piece of exposed skin. When they find exposed skin they will use their cutting mandibles to cut the skin and insert their feeding tube to feed on blood. While several tick species have been found in Australia, the paralysis tick (Ixodes Holocyclus) is the most dangerous to dogs (and cats) and can cause death. The paralysis tick injects holocyclic toxin into the animals blood stream that affects the neuromuscular junctions which are essential for muscle function. This results in weakness and paralysis of muscles. Paralysis of the respiratory muscles can result in death.

Paralysis ticks are most prevalent between September to March in Australia (Summer) and they are most commonly found within around 20km of the Eastern Coastline. In Victoria, paralysis ticks are found along the coast as far south as Bairnsdale and Sale however they can find their way into camping equipment and clothing and can hitch a ride into suburban Melbourne. Over the past few summers, there has been the occasional reported case of tick paralysis in dogs in Melbourne who have not left their local suburban area and who’s owners have also not travelled to tick prone areas.

The chart below details the areas within Australia where the different ticks are found.

The most common place to find a tick on a dog is towards the front of its body. The mouth and ears are hotspots, as well the armpits of dogs and between the toes and paw pads.

The paralysis tick injects holocyclic toxin into the animals blood stream that affects the neuromuscular junctions which are essential for muscle function.

This toxin causes muscle weakness and paralysis, which typically affects the hindlegs first, then progresses to the forelegs, digestive and respiratory muscles. Overall this may lead to wobbliness, breathing difficulties, coughing or grunting, dilated pupils and difficulties blinking, difficulties swallowing and digesting food, excess salivation, retching and vomiting.

You may not see all of these symptoms and often dogs initially present to the clinic just with weakness of the hind legs or just retching.

The best prevention is having your pet on year-round tick protection. Modern treatments offer flexible options to suit different lifestyles and preferences.

For Dogs:

• Bravecto Quantum (annual injection) – 12 months of protection with a single vet-administered injection
• Bravecto (3-monthly chewable or 6-month spot-on) – Long-acting options reducing treatment frequency
• Simparica or Simparica Trio (monthly chewable) – Comprehensive monthly protection

For Cats:

• Felpreva (3-monthly spot-on) – Protects against ticks, fleas, and all intestinal worms including lungworm for 3 months
• Bravecto Plus (3-monthly spot-on) – Quarterly tick and flea protection
• Revolution Plus (monthly spot-on) – Monthly comprehensive coverage

A simple tick prevention treatment can be lifesaving for your pet. Contact the clinic today to discuss the best option for your dog or cat, whether you prefer annual, quarterly, or monthly treatments.