This episode covers tick prevention in dogs, including the different tick species found across Australia, why paralysis ticks remain the most dangerous, and how to choose the right product for your dog. The discussion explains how preventative medications work, their safety, the difference between repellents and fast-kill products, and why year-round protection is essential for dogs in tick-risk areas.
Podcast Summary: Tick Prevention in Dogs
- Australia has three main tick types affecting dogs: paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, and bush ticks — each with different risks and distributions.
- Paralysis ticks can kill any size dog, and a single tick can cause fatal paralysis; they are most common along the east coast but occur year-round.
- Brown dog ticks are major carriers of ehrlichiosis, a serious blood-borne parasite now established in parts of WA, NT, and spreading inland.
- Bush ticks are less dangerous but still cause skin irritation and are often mistaken for paralysis ticks.
- Tick “season” is a misconception — risk is higher in spring and summer, but dogs can be bitten any day of the year in paralysis-tick regions.
- Systemic preventatives (oral or topical) kill ticks fast, often within hours, preventing paralysis before toxins take effect.
- Repellent products (e.g. Advantix or Seresto collars) help stop ticks attaching — essential in ehrlichiosis-risk areas where any bite can transmit infection.
- Shampoos and rinses kill ticks present at the time but offer only very short protection and are not reliable for long-term prevention.
- Top-spot products vary in duration — older ones require fortnightly use; newer formulations can last one to six months.
- Chews (e.g. Nexgard, Simparica, Bravecto) are highly effective and easier for many dogs, while top-spots suit dogs who avoid oral meds.
- Tick paralysis treatment is expensive and not always successful — prevention is significantly safer and far less costly.
- Dogs should still be checked daily for ticks, especially during high-risk seasons or in heavily vegetated areas.
Jump to a Section
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00 – 01:54 | Three main tick types in Australia and their risks. |
| 01:54 – 04:20 | Brown dog ticks and ehrlichiosis — serious disease risks. |
| 04:20 – 05:50 | Bush ticks — native species and skin irritation. |
| 05:50 – 09:24 | Misconceptions about tick season and why year-round protection matters. |
| 09:24 – 11:06 | Tick paralysis severity, cost of treatment, and prevention benefits. |
| 11:06 – 13:16 | Repellent products vs kill-only products and how they work. |
| 13:16 – 15:44 | How fast-kill systemic preventatives stop paralysis before symptoms occur. |
| 15:44 – 16:17 | What to do if you find a tick and why vet checks are essential. |
| 16:17 – 18:15 | Rinses, shampoos, collars, chews, and top-spots — pros and cons. |
| 18:15 – 22:31 | Choosing between chews and top-spots, combination products, and practical safety notes. |
| 22:31 – End | Daily tick checks and combining products in ehrlichiosis hotspots. |
General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your dog.