August 29, 2013
Recent high temperatures have been accompanied by an early start to the tick season, the RSPCA has warned.
RSPCA Qld Senior Veterinarian Dr Anne Chester has warned all pet owners to check their pets thoroughly for any signs of ticks.
“Our main concern is the paralysis tick,” she said.
“All pet owners should seek advice from their vet on the best form of tick prevention.
“There are several alternatives including washes, collars, sprays, spot-ons and tablets. The paralysis tick can act very quickly indeed and can cause severe impairment or worse. It’s a killer!”
RSPCA Qld spokesman Michael Beatty is one person who can identify with the problem. His dog Hooper had a tick despite wearing a tick collar.
“You really do need to check for ticks daily, even if they are taking tick preventives,” he said.
Dr Chester said the early symptoms of tick paralysis were an unsteady, staggering gait, a dry cough or even just a change in the animal’s bark or meow.
“They should seek veterinary attention immediately,” she said.
“The sooner the antiserum is administered. the less chance there is of the tick poisoning being lethal. Prompt action can and will save lives.”
