From bushland to backyards, paralysis ticks are a life-threatening risk. Know the signs and how to respond quickly.
They say good things come in small packages, but it turns out dangerous things can come in small packages too. At around 5mm, paralysis ticks might look harmless, but they can make your pet very sick – and can even be fatal without fast treatment. Fortunately, there’s lots you can do to keep your pet safe from these tiny but nasty parasites.
Here we give you the lowdown on keeping your dog or cat safe from paralysis ticks, and what to do if you think your pet has been bitten.
What are paralysis ticks?
Paralysis ticks are small, blood-sucking arachnids found across bushland, backyards and coastal scrub along Australia’s east — from North Queensland to southern Victoria. Despite the name, they’re not just a coastal problem — they’re also found inland, especially in areas with dense vegetation and humid conditions.
What are paralysis ticks?
Paralysis ticks are small, blood-sucking arachnids found across bushland, backyards and coastal scrub along Australia’s east — from North Queensland to southern Victoria. Despite the name, they’re not just a coastal problem — they’re also found inland, especially in areas with dense vegetation and humid conditions.
These ticks are:
- Size: 3–5mm
- Shape: Oval body
- Colour: Pale when unfed, becoming grey and swollen once they’ve had a meal
- Legs: Eight legs clustered near the head — one pair of brown legs closest to the head, two pairs of white legs in the middle, and one pair of brown legs near the body
Their legs are the feature that best distinguishes them from other ticks, such as bush ticks and brown dog ticks, which don’t share this same colour pattern or tight leg cluster near the head.
And if you thought paralysis ticks were only a problem in summer, think again – 2023 research from the University of Queensland shows paralysis ticks are most active in spring and during humid weather, which can happen year-round (especially after rain). That’s why tick prevention is important for pets in affected areas no matter the season.
How do paralysis ticks affect cats and dogs?
As you’d expect from a parasite, paralysis ticks survive by waiting on plants until they come into contact with a host mammal to feed on. Once attached to the animal with their mouth, they release toxins into its bloodstream through their saliva, affecting the animal’s ability to breathe, swallow, stand and walk. Ultimately, this type of tick causes paralysis and, sadly, death if not seen by a vet quickly.
All of this might sound scary, but thankfully there’s a lot you can do to reduce the chances of tick paralysis in dogs and cats.
What are the signs of paralysis ticks in cats and dogs?
Signs that your cat or dog has been bitten by a paralysis tick include:
- Wobbly hind legs (without treatment this can progress to paralysis)
- Difficulty breathing
- Refusing food
- Vomiting, gagging or regurgitating
- An altered bark or meow
- A dry cough or a gurgling, choking sound
- Drooling
- Dilated pupils.
How can I check my pet for paralysis ticks?
As well as using tick prevention medication (more on that below), checking your dog or cat regularly for tick bites is super important. To check for ticks, run your hands along your pet’s fur, starting from the nose and working towards the tail, feeling around for small lumps. Pay special attention to places that are easy to miss including armpits, under the collar, between toes, inside ears and around the groin.
If your pet has long hair, do yourself (and your pet) a favour – get them clipped regularly all year round so it’s easier to check for ticks.
How can I remove a paralysis tick?
The best way to remove a tick is with a tick remover, which you can buy from a pet store. If you don’t have one, you can use tweezers or your fingers (while wearing disposable gloves) to grab the tick by its head, getting as close to your pet’s skin as you can. Use a pull-and-twist movement, without squeezing, making sure you remove the mouth parts. Then, apply a mild antiseptic and get to your vet immediately – take the tick with you, so the vet knows which treatment to use.
Remember, it can take up to 24 hours for signs of tick paralysis to appear, so even if your dog or cat doesn’t look like they’re experiencing any negative impacts, they’ll still need treatment ASAP.
What’s the treatment for paralysis ticks?
If you think your pet has any type of tick, not just a paralysis tick, don’t delay – getting them treated quickly gives them the best chance of recovery.
The first thing your vet will do is remove the tick (if you haven’t done this already) to make sure no further toxins are released into your pet’s bloodstream. Then they’ll administer antitoxin serum, and in some cases IV treatment, oxygen therapy, a ventilator and medications including anti-nausea drugs. Unfortunately, in Australia around 10% of dogs die from paralysis ticks. So if you think your pet has a paralysis tick, don’t delay – getting them treated quickly gives them the best chance of recovery.
How do I keep my pet safe from paralysis ticks?
Your grandmother was right – prevention is always better than a cure. Vet treatment for paralysis ticks can cost thousands (especially if your pet needs a ventilator) so it’s well worth spending money on tick prevention to keep them safe. Paralysis tick prevention options include tablets, topical treatments, collars, shampoos and rinses. An annual flea and tick prevention injection is also available for dogs. Chat to your vet about which is best for your furry friend – and never give tick prevention designed for a dog to a cat, or vice versa.
It’s also important to steer your dog or cat away from wet forest areas, especially during the warmer months, and keep your backyard clear of long grass and scrub.
Most importantly, make sure check your dog and cat for ticks every day, year round, even if you’re using tick prevention since no treatment is 100% effective.
