Ticks In Australia

There are a number of tick species found in Australia that can be harmful to companion animals. Species include the Brown Dog Tick, Bush Tick, Cattle Tick and the most dangerous species the Paralysis Tick. Peak tick season, when higher numbers of adult ticks are present, is during the warmer months from August to February. Ticks can still be found throughout the year particularly in areas where the climatic conditions remain suitable.

Due to the small size of ticks it can be sometimes hard to tell the difference between species. Colour or size is not always an accurate identification tool. The best way to identify the dangerous paralysis tick from the other tick species is that their legs are all bunched up at the front of the body and the middle two pairs of legs are lighter in colour than their other legs.

Paralysis Ticks are the most dangerous ticks in Australia. They have the potential of causing illness and even death to our pets. Early signs of a paralysis tick being attached to your pet include lethargy, a change in voice, weak/wobbly hind legs and/or vomiting. If not treated early they can cause complete paralysis and death. Find out more about the Paralysis Tick and the deadly effect it can have on your pets here.

Although the paralysis tick is the most dangerous, the other species can still be harmful to our companion animals. Babesia Canis infection is transmitted through the bite of a Brown Dog Tick that is carrying the disease. It is a blood borne disease that attacks the red blood cells causing anaemia, weakness, inflammation and fever. If an animal suffers from a high infestation of ticks, no matter what species, it can cause them to suffer from anaemia due to the amount of blood the ticks are feeding on. Ticks, even when only one is attached to an animal, can cause skin irritation or damage and allergic reactions.

Keep your pet safe from ticks by using a tick protection product. Shop the full range here at vet-n-pet DIRECT.