28 Oct Don’t Get Ticked off by Ticks this Summer!
Ticks!
These little parasites can cause a real bother for your furry friends, one more so than most, the Paralysis tick! This one is downright dangerous and/or deadly to cats and dogs so if you’re in our local area watch out…
No tick is good news but the one we really want to make sure you’re familiar with and on the lookout for is the paralysis tick. Maybe you walk your dog around the neighbourhood or your cat goes for the occasional wander, they can end up meeting this nasty, deadly tick. Even if you think your yard is safe, think again. Wildlife can waltz through your yard allowing ticks to land and then find a tasty home on your pet. The end result can be devastating.
Paralysis ticks are a parasite that bury their heads into your pet’s skin to have a blood meal. So they remain undisturbed while they feed, they inject their saliva which contains a toxin that numbs the site. Unfortunately for your pet this toxin not only numbs the area but affects the whole nervous system causing paralysis, which if left untreated is fatal.
The ticks favourite places on your pet are where you are least likely to find them. They are quite small but generally end up around the front end, near nose, eyes, ears, mouth, and under the collar. They get access to your beloved friend while they are out innocently sniffing the ground and that’s when these parasites can make their move. IF you happen to find something you think is suspicious on your pet, stop and call the team at WAGS before you try to remove it. So, you might be wondering by now, what does a paralysis tick look like???
Identifying the Paralysis Tick:
- Legs all close to the head
- First and last pair of legs brown and in-between legs pale
- The mouth is a protruding and V shaped
Paralysis ticks generally love a warm humid environment but that doesn’t rule them out from being around in slightly less favourable conditions. Veterinarians are on guard for tick paralysis cases ALL year round so it is important you have your pet on appropriate preventative treatment at all times.
Symptoms of a paralysis tick
The symptoms of a paralysis tick can progress quickly and can be deadly, so contact us (1300 11 WAGS) immediately or your emergency centre for advice if you notice any of the following:
- Uncharacteristic behaviour
- Loss of appetite
- Panting
- Flat/lethargic
- Vomiting/regurgitation
- Unsteadiness/weakness, especially in the hind limbs
- Any loss of muscle movements
- Change in bark or voice
- Excessive drooling
- Inability to stand
Luckily preventative protection is available. There are some preventatives that are very safe and recommend for dogs, however, can have terrible side effects for cats. To play it safe, call the friendly team at Wags Mobile Vet on 1300 11 WAGS (1300 119 247) for advice. Don’t be ticked off about ticks this summer. Call TODAY!!!