September 26, 2016
The RSPCA is warning pet owners to be carefully check their cats and dogs as the high temperatures have brought an early start to the tick season.
RSPCA Qld’s Senior Veterinarian Dr Anne Chester said private vets were seeing a stream of animals being brought in with tick paralysis.
She said all pet owners should check their pets thoroughly every day for any signs of ticks.
“Pet owners should seek advice from their vet on the best form of tick prevention,” Dr Chester said.
“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 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 that pet owners must watch out for the early symptoms of tick paralysis. An unsteady staggering gait, a dry cough and even just a change in the animal’s bark or meow could mean they have been infected.
“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.”
