Protect your pets from ticks
Tick season in Eurobodalla typically runs from October to March. During this time, ticks are more active and pose a significant risk to both humans and pets. It's important to be aware of the dangers and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your furry friends.
Why ticks are dangerous
Ticks are small parasites that feed on human and animal blood. Among the most dangerous species is the paralysis tick. This type of tick carries a toxin that is fatal to pets if not treated quickly. If you find one, remove it immediately and take your pet to the vet for care.
Paralysis ticks are found all along Australia’s eastern coast.
Common tick species in Australia
There are three main types of ticks that affect pets:
- Bush tick - common but less dangerous.
- Brown dog tick - also widespread, but less harmful to pets.
- Paralysis tick - the most dangerous, especially to pets.
How to identify paralysis ticks
Paralysis ticks can look different depending on whether they've fed. Initially, they are small and pale, but as they feed, they become engorged with blood and change from a whitish colour to a bluish/light greyish colour.
- Legs: Paralysis ticks have four pairs of legs: two pairs are brown (near the head and body), and two pairs are white.
- Habitat: Ticks prefer grassy areas, tree branches, logs, and other vegetation. They wait for a potential host (human or animal) to pass by, then drop down to latch on.
Follow Greencross Vets' tick chart to see how different paralysis ticks can look before and after they've fed:
Signs of tick paralysis in pets
If your pet shows any of these signs, check them for ticks immediately and seek veterinary care. Tick paralysis can progress quickly, so it's important to act fast.
- Redness or swelling at the bite site.
- Loss of coordination in the hind legs and difficulty walking.
- Changes in behaviour, such as a different bark or meow.
- Retching, coughing, or vomiting.
- Excessive salivation or drooling.
- Appetite loss.
- Progressive paralysis.
- Difficulty breathing.
How to check your pet for ticks
Ticks often hide in warm, soft areas of the body, so it's important to check your pet every day - especially during tick season. Most ticks are found forward of the front legs, especially on the face, neck and ears. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Start at the head: Gently run your fingers over your pet’s nose, face, and ears (inside and out), feeling the skin for any lumps. Don’t forget to check under the lips.
- Neck and shoulders: Carefully feel along the neck and behind the ears. Remove your pet's collar and check the area under it.
- Legs and paws: Check each front and hind leg, including the paws, toes, and between the toes.
- Back and sides: Run your fingers over your pet's back, sides, and underbelly.
- Tail area: Make sure you check the entire length of the tail, under the tail, and around the bottom.
- Armpits and chest: Pay close attention to areas like the armpits and under the chest where ticks like to hide.
- Tick craters: If a tick has already fed and fallen off, you may find a tick crater — a small, raised area around the bite site.
What to do if you find a tick
It's important to know how to respond to tick bites. You'll need to remove the tick and take your pet to the vet straight away.
Make sure you bring the removed tick with you so your vet can identify it.
See Greencross Vets' guide to learn how to remove a tick:
How to prevent tick bites
Prevention is key to protecting your pet from ticks. Here are some simple tips to reduce the risk of tick bites:
- Groom your pet regularly: Brush your pet’s fur daily to spot ticks early, especially during tick season.
- Use tick prevention products: Invest in collars, topical treatments, injectables or oral medications to protect your pet year-round. Ensure you don't miss any doses.
- Check your pet daily: Even with preventative treatments, it's important to check your pet every day for ticks. Focus on the head, neck, ears, paws, and groin. The earlier you find them, the safer your pet will be.
- Avoid tick-prone areas: Keep your pets away from long grass, dense vegetation, and wooded areas, especially after rain, when ticks are most active.
More information
- RSPCA NSW: Tick season - protecting your pet
- Greencross Vets: Ticks on dogs - identification, symptoms, prevention, and treatment
- Australian Museum: Australian paralysis tick
Contact us
If you have a health-related question about ticks, your local vet can help you.
Reach out to our rangers if you have any tick concerns in the area:
- T: 4474 1019
- E: Council rangers