03/09/2026
With Spring bringing in the warmer weather, it's a great time to check and update your cat or dogs tick prevention!
Over the past few weekends, we have been seeing some paralysis ticks found on our patients, with some either being indoors only or just have access to their own yard.
Here's a few reminders about our paralysis tick tricksters:
- they are easily transported by native animals and us in our own travels
- native wildlife have some immunity to them, but our pets do not
- pets can show symptoms even a week after removal
- symptoms can be subtle to severe in a short period of time
- some pets can have them removed quickly enough to not be affected
Prevention & Protection from ticks:
- keep lawns short where possible
- feel your pet over daily from snout to tail for any little bumps that could be ticks or craters from one
- use tick prevention products on time and ideally year round
- if you find a tick, remove it as quickly as possible. You can do this using a specific tick remover tool or using your fingers in a pincer like fashion holding right at the skin level, twist and pull.
If you are having difficulties, contact your local vet to see if they can assist with removal.
- monitor your pet for any symptoms or have your pet examined by the vet.
SIGNS TO WATCH FOR:
- change in meow or bark
- wobbly on legs (usually back legs initially)
- coughing (especially after eating/drinking)
- vomiting
- weakness
- laboured breathing
- anything that is not usual for your pet and has the potential to come into contact with a tick
If any symptoms or anything concerning at all, best to be safe and have your pet examined by the closest veterinary clinic.
