Do you know how to identify and prevent ticks or the symptoms of tick paralysis?
Shaping up to be a hot and humid Australian summer, ticks are getting under the skin of our furry friends much earlier this year. Unique to Australia, Paralysis ticks are most commonly found on the east coast in bushland and it is important to be on alert for these potentially deadly parasites.
Here are some helpful tips and facts to get you through tick season 2013!
How to identify a tick
Because of their small size, it can be difficult to identify different ticks.
There are some physical differences including shape and colouring as seen here:
How to prevent ticks:
- aily Checks: The best prevention is to search your pet by walking your fingers through their coats each day, especially if you live in a tick-prone area. Remember to check inside the ears, around the lips, under the armpits and between the paws.
- Summer Clip: Get your dogs coat cut short for summer! Don’t worry about them feeling naked, short is fashionable and it’s one of the easiest prevention methods. You can book your pooch in for a clip at your nearest DOGUE Grooming Salon!
- Wash in tick repellent: When bath time comes, the Bone and Soul tick repellent range uses essential oils specially designed to repel fleas and ticks naturally.
- Use a Tick Collar: This Preventic tick collar offers protection for up to 2 months and is suitable for dogs of all sizes.
- Avoid: taking your dog for walks in bush areas and tall grasses and keep your backyard lawns short.
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog take them to the vet immediately
- Wobbliness and weakness in the back legs, progressing to the front legs
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- A change in your dogs bark
- Excessive salivation/drooling
How to safely remove a tick:
We recommend using the Tick Twister for safe and easy removal of ticks.
- Simply hold the handle between your thumb and index finger and slide the fork end toward the tick until it is caught between the prongs.
- Lift the tool lightly and rotate in either direction 2-3 times. You will feel when the tick has released its mouth and it is safe to pull up on the tick and tick twister.
- Dab some disinfectant on your dog on the bitten area, being extremely careful if you’re around your dog’s eyes.
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- Kill the tick by placing it in alcohol and then place it in a resealable plastic bag, so that your vet can identify the species.
- If you do find a tick, remove it immediately and take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Remember to also continue to search for more ticks as some dogs can be infested with many ticks at one time.
Why not SHARE this tick article with a friend and help ensure your canine has a safe, fun and barktastic summer!
Check this guide from Petside on the best flea treatment for dogs.