Tick Season Warning: Safeguarding Your Dog from Deadly Ticks

 

Tick Season Warning: Safeguarding Your Dog from Deadly Ticks

Introduction:

Dog owners, beware! As tick season approaches, a common mistake could lead to hefty vet bills and, worse, a trip to the emergency room. In Australia, over 10,000 pets are rushed to hospitals every year due to potentially fatal tick bites. Despite this alarming statistic, many Australian pet owners are not adequately safeguarding their furry companions against these tiny terrors.

Why Tick Protection Matters:

Pet Circle's head veterinarian, Dr. Teagan Lever, cautions that neglecting tick protection can have dire consequences. Rising living costs may tempt pet parents to cut corners on preventative care like flea, tick, and heartworm treatments, or vaccinations. Dr. Lever stresses that skipping these precautions can leave your pet vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses that come with substantial treatment costs.

The Dangers of Tick Paralysis:

Tick paralysis is a condition that often takes pet parents by surprise. A single tick can trigger life-threatening symptoms, starting with mild signs like a change in voice or bark, difficulty swallowing, and weakness in the back legs. If left untreated, these symptoms can escalate to complete paralysis, affecting even the respiratory muscles and potentially leading to death.

The Cost of Neglect:

Unsuspecting pet owners can quickly find themselves burdened with substantial vet bills if their pets are not adequately protected against ticks. Dr. Lever explains that the average treatment cost for tick paralysis is approximately $2,000. However, severe cases can exceed $10,000, with the highest bill she's witnessed reaching a staggering $38,000.

Where Are Ticks Found?

While it's essential for all dog owners to ensure tick protection, certain areas carry a higher risk. Regions near dense bushland along rivers or coastal areas, such as near national parks, are common hotspots for ticks. Along the eastern coast of the country, both paralysis and bush ticks are prevalent. Brown dog ticks are particularly worrisome in NSW, QLD, VIC, NT, SA, and some areas along the West Australian coast.

How to Safeguard Your Pet:

Early treatment is crucial in managing tick paralysis. In mild cases, treatment may involve hospitalization and tick antiserum administration. Severe cases may require longer-term hospitalization, potentially even ICU-level care and the use of a ventilator. Nevertheless, Dr. Lever emphasizes that even with the best treatment, pets can succumb to tick paralysis. Prevention is, without a doubt, the superior approach.

Dr. Lever's recommendation is clear: all pets living in or traveling to tick-prone areas should be protected year-round with an isoxazoline class tick preventative, such as Bravecto, Nexgard, Credelio, or Simparica. While these treatments are highly effective, daily tick checks, especially during the warmer months, are also advisable.

Recognizing the Warning Signs:

The signs of tick paralysis can vary but may include:

1. Altered mobility, including loss of coordination and weakness.

2. Labored or rapid breathing, grunting noises, and abdominal heaving.

3. Changes or loss of bark.

4. Coughing.

5. Gagging and vomiting.

6. Loss of appetite.

7. Inability to blink in one or both eyes.

8. General signs of illness.

Conclusion:

Protecting your four-legged family member from tick paralysis is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. By investing in preventative measures and staying vigilant, you can ensure your beloved pet remains safe and healthy, sparing both your pet and your wallet from the potentially devastating consequences of tick infestations.