Save Pet From Paralysis Tick

Remember these top 5 tips to protect your pet from the deadly paralysis tick this summer.

Check if your pet is at risk of paralysis ticks:

The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is commonly found on the eastern seaboard from North Queensland down to Victoria, but can also be found inland. Native animals spread ticks in local scrub and bushland. Ticks can be brought into your yard by animals foraging at night near bushland. Pets taken for holidays to the coast often end up at the vet with tick paralysis because they were not given tick-control products at least a week before traveling. Even day trips involving walking along bush or fire trails put pets at risk. They should receive tick-control products throughout the tick season, from early to late spring through mid-autumn, and daily tick searches are also recommended. If moving to a new area, check with the local vet for information about paralysis ticks in the region.

Minimise your pet’s exposure to paralysis ticks:

Remember to conduct daily tick searches and remove any ticks found, as no product provides 100% protection from ticks. Keep your pet's coat short, avoid bushy areas, keep lawns short, and prevent contact with stray animals and wildlife. Start your pets on a tick-control product immediately, ideally a few weeks before tick season or traveling to a tick area.

Choose the best tick-control product for your pet

There are various tick-control products available today, ranging from tick collars and rinses to oral chews and spot-ons. Here's a summary of these products with key points to help you choose the best option for your pet and lifestyle.

TICK HOOKS AND TICK KEYS

All pet owners who live or holiday in a tick area should carry a tick hook or tick key to easily remove any ticks found on their pet.

ORAL CHEWS
Oral products are a good option for dogs that swim regularly or have experienced skin reactions to topical products. They may also be suitable for households where owners and children have sensitive skin that may react to topical pet products.

NexGard

Best points:

Once a month, the tasty chew kills fleas on the dog within 8 hours and also kills ticks. Safe for dogs from 8 weeks old or 2kg bodyweight.

Not for use in catsEnsure entire dose is consumed or you must redoseNot tested in breeding animals