Keeping our pets safe from ticks this Summer!

Penned by Dr Claire Jenkins, Founder and CEO at VetChat

As the temperature continues to rise across Australia and we move towards the summer months, it’s more than just surfers and beachgoers who become more active. So too does one of our most prolific parasites, the tick. Specifically, between the months of October and March and particularly after heavy rainfall, tick populations grow, putting our household pets at risk. 

Even a single bite can lead to severe illness, especially from the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus), which produces a potent neurotoxin that can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and at worst, death. 

A seasonal and widespread threat

Paralysis ticks are most prevalent along Australia’s eastern coastline, from Far North Queensland down through New South Wales and into coastal Victoria during the spring and summer months. However, in tropical climates, they can remain active year-round.

During these warmer months, vets across Australia typically see a 33 per cent increase in tick-related consultations. Nationally, it’s estimated that around 10, 000 companion animals (cats and dogs) are affected by tick paralysis each year. 

Tick populations also fluctuate depending on rainfall and humidity. Wet seasons create ideal breeding conditions, while consistent use of preventative products dramatically reduces case numbers. Indoor-only pets are generally safer, but any animal that spends time outdoors, even briefly, can be at risk.

Early warning signs can be easy to miss

Tick paralysis can present differently across species, but early detection is key. Common warning signs include:

• Wobbliness or weakness in the back legs
• Lethargy or reluctance to move
• Vomiting or gagging
• Changes in voice, breathing or swallowing

The tick toxin binds to the nervous system, and once symptoms appear, every hour counts. Treatment with antiserum can neutralise toxin still in circulation, but cannot reverse damage already done. Pets treated early have an excellent chance of recovery, but delays can lead to serious complications or death.

Do dogs and cats react to ticks differently?

Put simply, despite ticks being indiscriminate about species, symptoms can progress differently depending on whether the tick has attached to a dog or cat:

• Dogs tend to show clear hind limb weakness and laboured breathing.
• Cats often display subtler signs, such as tonal changes in meow, vomiting, or slower breathing, making it concerningly easy to overlook the severity of these symptoms.

Interestingly, cats are also more likely to experience allergic reactions to tick antiserum, occurring in roughly 9 per cent of treated cases, especially after previous exposure. For both species, calm handling and prompt veterinary advice can make a significant difference to outcomes.

Prevention is always the best defence

Tick prevention is far more effective and far less stressful than emergency treatment. A few proactive steps can dramatically lower the risks:

• Daily tick checks: After any time outdoors, run your hands over your pet’s body, especially around the head, neck, ears, and under the collar to check for lumps.
• Use vet-recommended preventatives: ‘Spot-on’ products, oral treatments and tick collars provide ongoing protection when used consistently. Always check that products are species-appropriate, as some tick collars designed for dogs can be toxic to cats.
• Keep the outside environment clear: Mow lawns regularly, remove leaf litter, and if possible, discourage wildlife that may carry ticks.
• Become familiar with the warning signs: Familiarity with early symptoms allows for quicker action and better outcomes for pets.

What to do if you find a tick

If a tick is discovered, remove it immediately using fine-tipped tweezers or a specialised tick-removing tool. Grasp it firmly and close to the skin, twisting and pulling gently. Keep the tick for identification and monitor your pet closely for 48 hours for signs of unsteadiness, vomiting, or breathing changes.

For pet owners in rural or regional areas, where the nearest 24-hour clinic might be one or two hours away, veterinary telehealth services like VetChat can offer immediate triage advice, helping owners decide whether urgent travel is necessary.

Ticks are a recurring seasonal challenge, but they’re also largely preventable, assuming pet owners are armed with awareness and consistency. Checking pets daily, maintaining regular preventive use, and knowing what to look for can save our pets’ lives.

With a collaborative effort between pet owners and veterinarians, our household pets can enjoy the warmer months safely, free from one of the country’s most dangerous parasites.