Ticks - Author Merial

The deadly paralysis tick season kicks off in Australian backyards.

It’s that time of year again. The tick season has begun and all dog and cat owners are urged to check their pets every day for nasty ticks. Once attached to a pet, paralysis ticks can cause major health problems that can be fatal.

Dangerous paralysis ticks are usually picked up when pets move through bushland, thick grass or vegetation. Once paralysis ticks latch on, they suck blood and secrete a toxin. This toxin can then result in signs of tick toxicity.

NOTE: signs often do not appear until the tick has been attached for three to five days. Not all signs will be present in all pets. Many of these signs can be confused with other ailments, causing some pet owners to delay visits to their local veterinarian.

If your pet shows signs, it may need specialist treatment so it’s important to see your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Sadly, delay in the removal of paralysis ticks or in the treatment of tick toxicity can result in death.

 Keeping pets away from the tick habitat can help to decrease the chance of pets being affected by tick toxicity. The most important preventative measure, however, is a thorough search of your pet’s skin and coat every day during the paralysis tick season, even if you are using a tick control product.

One way to search for ticks is to remove your pet’s collar and run your hands against their fur. Feel for unusual lumps. If you find a tick call your veterinarian, remove the tick and continue to search for more.

As well as searching daily, it’s also very important to use an effective tick control product. Two products that are widely used for flea control and also control ticks are FRONTLINE PLUS^® and FRONTLINE^® SPRAY.

For paralysis tick control on dogs, FRONTLINE PLUS should be used every 2 weeks. For paralysis tick control on cats, use FRONTLINE SPRAY every 3 weeks. Always read the label instructions. If you have trouble remembering your pet’s treatments, it is a good idea to sign up for FREE email and SMS treatment reminders at www.frontlineplus.com.au

By using a tick control product like FRONTLINE, avoiding tick habitats and checking your pets every day you can greatly reduce the risks of tick toxicity for your pet throughout the tick season.

 Merial Australia Pty Ltd, Level 6,