Tick Alert

Every year dogs and cats in Brisbane die from Tick Paralysis.  Ticks Breed in high grass, bush-land and parks (including dog parks), and especially near creeks. Their natural hosts are the Bandicoot and Possum.  The months of highest risk are usually September - April.  We have already seen an increased number of Tick Poisonings this year and we expect the numbers to be greater than usual due to the high amount of rainfall we experienced at the start of the year.

 What does a tick look like?    When they first attach ticks are very small and dark brown - as they grow larger from sucking blood they become a light grey/green colour.  After 2-3 days they increase greatly in size to 5mm-1cm and the pet starts to show symptoms.

Signs of Tick Paralysis
NB. Your pet may show only one or two of these signs!

Seek Veterinary attention immediately - tick paralysis is life threatening!!

*    Slightly weak in the back legs
*    Looks like a drunken sailor - unable to stand properly on the back legs
*    Cannot stand at all on the back legs
*    Change in voice (bark or meow)
*    Unable to swallow properly - may dribble water or food or cough/gag when ingests either of the above
*    Change in breathing patterns. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY SIGN.  Cats often only show this sign. BEWARE - this is the most life threatening sign.
*    Vomiting
*    Depressed, slower,disinterested,decreased exercise tolerance

Oh, no - I've found a Tick!

*    To remove the Tick use a tick hook/tweezers or coat the tick with an insecticide - "Aerogard", "Rid", "Frontline", "Permoxin", or Metho and leave it on to die.  It can then be removed.
#    Do NOT use kerosene or anyting else that will burn the skin of your pet.
*    Telephone your vet for more information or bring the tick into the clinic for identification.
*    REMEMBER that animals can start to show symptoms of tick poisoning 24-48 hours AFTER a tick has been killed.If your animal is showing any signs of tick Poisoning it will need Veterinary attention as soon as possible!!

Tick Paralysis Prevention
*    BAYER "KILTIX" COLLAR - active ingredient Flumethrin - replace each 5-6weeks.  We have found these to be very useful.  Avoid supermarket collars with Amitraz - we find they just don't work!!
*    FRONTLINE TOP SPOT - applied every two weeks

*    ADVANTIX TOP SPOT - applied every two weeks