03/09/2026
PARALYSIS TICKS – WOULD YOU RECOGNISE THE SIGNS?
Paralysis ticks are a serious risk for dogs and cats in South East Queensland. They can be found throughout the year, but we tend to see increased numbers during the warmer, humid months – particularly from late winter through spring and early summer.
A paralysis tick releases a toxin while feeding on your pet. This toxin affects the nerves and muscles and, without treatment, can cause severe paralysis, difficulty swallowing and life-threatening breathing problems.
The early signs can be surprisingly subtle.
Your pet may:
• Seem weak or wobbly on their back legs – almost as though they are "drunk"
• Have difficulty jumping onto the couch or climbing stairs
• Become unusually quiet or reluctant to exercise
• Lose their appetite
• Vomit, gag, retch or cough
• Develop a change in their bark or meow
• Have difficulty swallowing food or water
• Have difficulty blinking normally
• Show increasing weakness or difficulty standing
Cats can sometimes behave differently when they are unwell. An affected cat may disappear or hide in an unusual place around the house or garden.
⚠️ WATCH THEIR BREATHING
As tick paralysis progresses, it can affect the muscles needed for breathing.
Rapid, noisy or laboured breathing, excessive panting, or obvious difficulty breathing is an emergency.
If you suspect tick paralysis, contact a veterinarian immediately.
HOW CAN YOU REDUCE THE RISK?
1. Use effective tick prevention
Make sure your pet's parasite prevention specifically protects against paralysis ticks.
There are many products available, and they don't all provide the same protection or last for the same length of time.
If you're unsure whether your pet is adequately protected, ask our team.
⚠️ Never assume a dog parasite product is safe to use on a cat. Some products intended for dogs can be extremely toxic to cats. Always check the label or ask your veterinarian before using a product.
2. Give prevention ON TIME
Depending on the product, protection may need to be given monthly or may last for several months.
Put reminders in your phone or calendar so doses aren't accidentally missed.
3. Perform a DAILY tick search
Even pets receiving tick prevention should be physically checked for ticks every day.
It only takes a few minutes – and most pets enjoy the extra attention!
Slowly run your fingertips over your pet's entire body, feeling for anything that shouldn't be there.
Pay particular attention around the:
• Head and neck
• Ears and ear canals
• Lips and face
• Under the collar
• Front legs and armpits
• Between the toes
But remember – a paralysis tick can attach anywhere on the body, so check your entire pet.
🔎 FOUND A TICK?
Remove it as soon as possible and contact your veterinarian if your pet is showing any signs of weakness, vomiting, gagging, breathing changes or unusual behaviour.
Importantly, removing the tick does not necessarily mean your pet is immediately safe. The effects of the toxin can continue and some animals can deteriorate after the tick has been removed.
Prevention + daily tick searches provide the best defence against tick paralysis.
Take five minutes today to check your pet – it could save their life.
