Tick Season in Australia: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know
A trip to the beach, a walk through the bush, or even an afternoon exploring the backyard can expose your dog to something very small but potentially deadly.
A paralysis tick.
For Australian dog owners, ticks aren't something we should only think about when we're heading into the bush. In areas where paralysis ticks are found, prevention and regular checking can be an important part of everyday pet care.
Traditionally, paralysis tick season is associated with the warmer months, particularly spring and summer. But in warmer parts of Australia, including Queensland, ticks can remain a risk throughout the year.
Knowing how to protect your dog, how to check them properly, and recognising the warning signs of tick paralysis could save their life.
What Is a Paralysis Tick?
The Australian paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is a blood-feeding parasite found primarily along Australia's eastern coast.
When a paralysis tick attaches and feeds, it releases a toxin that affects the animal's nervous system.
As the effects progress, a dog may become weak, have difficulty walking, and eventually experience serious problems with swallowing or breathing.
Without treatment, tick paralysis can be fatal.
That's why suspected tick paralysis should always be treated as a veterinary emergency.
When Is Tick Season in Australia?
Paralysis ticks are traditionally most active during the warmer and more humid months, with increased risk generally associated with spring and summer.
However, there isn't necessarily a completely "safe" time of year.
In warmer regions such as Queensland, conditions can allow ticks to remain active throughout much, or potentially all of the year.
Rather than putting the tick prevention away when summer ends, talk to your veterinarian about whether year-round protection is appropriate for your dog and where you live.
Where Are Paralysis Ticks Found?
Paralysis ticks are associated particularly with Australia's eastern coastal regions and can be found in environments such as:
Bushland
Scrub
Areas with long grass
Leaf litter
Gardens and backyards
Areas frequented by native wildlife
And your dog doesn't necessarily need to go on a bushwalking adventure to encounter one.
Ticks can be picked up much closer to home.
What Does a Paralysis Tick Look Like?
Identifying a tick isn't always straightforward.
Their appearance and size change considerably as they feed. An engorged tick can become much larger and may appear bluish-grey or light grey.
Sometimes you may feel the tick before you see it.
When checking your dog, slowly run your fingertips through their coat and across their skin, feeling for unusual bumps or small lumps.
If you find something suspicious, don't assume it's harmless simply because it doesn't look like the tick pictures you've seen online.
How to Check Your Dog for Ticks
During higher-risk periods and in paralysis-tick areas, regular physical checks are important, even when your dog is using a tick-prevention product.
Use your fingertips to systematically work through your dog's coat rather than simply looking at the surface.
Pay particular attention around:
The head and neck.
Ears and around the ear openings.
Face and lips.
Under the collar.
Under the front legs.
Between the toes.
Around the chest and belly.
Take your time.
On long-haired or thick-coated dogs, ticks can be surprisingly difficult to find.
Warning Signs of Tick Paralysis
The signs of tick paralysis can progress, so knowing what's normal for your dog is important.
Early Signs
You may notice:
Unusual tiredness or lethargy.
Loss of appetite.
Weakness.
A change in the sound of your dog's bark.
Wobbliness, particularly through the back legs.
Sometimes the first clue is simply that your dog isn't acting like themselves.
As Symptoms Progress
Signs can include:
Increasing weakness.
Difficulty standing or walking.
Staggering.
Vomiting or retching.
Excessive drooling.
Gagging.
Difficulty swallowing.
Severe Signs
A severely affected dog can develop:
Significant paralysis.
Laboured or noisy breathing.
Difficulty breathing.
Collapse.
Do not wait for severe symptoms before seeking veterinary care.
If you suspect tick paralysis, contact a veterinarian immediately.
What Should You Do If You Find a Paralysis Tick?
If you find a tick on your dog, remove it promptly using an appropriate tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers, gripping it as close to the skin as possible.
More importantly, if your dog is showing any signs consistent with tick paralysis, seek urgent veterinary attention.
Finding and removing the tick doesn't mean the danger has necessarily passed.
Your veterinarian can advise you on what to do next based on your dog's condition and circumstances.
If you're uncertain about removing the tick yourself, contact your veterinary clinic for guidance rather than delaying care.
Prevention Is Better Than Treatment
When it comes to paralysis ticks, prevention plays an important role.
There are several types of tick-prevention products available for dogs, including:
Oral treatments.
Topical treatments.
Tick collars.
Other veterinary tick-control products.
The right product and treatment schedule depend on your dog and the product being used.
Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate option for your dog's age, weight, health, lifestyle and local tick risk.
It's also important to follow the product's instructions carefully and give repeat treatments when they're due.
Missing or delaying a dose can leave gaps in protection.
Prevention Doesn't Replace Checking
One of the most important points for owners to remember is that using a tick preventative doesn't mean you should stop checking your dog.
Regular coat and skin searches provide an additional layer of protection, particularly in high-risk locations and seasons.
Make it part of your routine.
A cuddle on the couch can become a quick tick check.
Your dog probably won't complain about the extra attention.
What About Walks During Tick Season?
Tick risk doesn't mean your dog has to spend spring and summer locked inside.
But it does mean being aware of where you're walking.
If you live in or visit a paralysis-tick area:
Keep your dog's tick prevention current.
Check them after walks.
Be particularly vigilant after visiting bushland, scrub or long grass.
Continue regular checks at home.
Know the warning signs of tick paralysis.
If someone else walks or cares for your dog, make sure they also know about your dog's tick prevention and anything you would like them to check or avoid.
Professional Dog Walking With Wagly
Your dog's walks are an important opportunity for exercise, enrichment and exploration, but keeping them safe is just as important.
When booking a Wagly dog walker or pet sitter, let your pet professional know about any specific instructions you have for your dog, including areas you'd prefer them to avoid and anything you'd like them to watch for.
Wagly's professional dog-walking service also offers features including live GPS tracking, allowing you to see where your dog's walk has taken them.
Because when someone else is caring for your dog, good communication matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is tick season in Australia?
Paralysis-tick risk is commonly associated with the warmer months, particularly spring and summer. However, in warmer parts of Australia such as Queensland, ticks can pose a risk for much more of the year.
Can dogs get ticks in their own backyard?
Yes. Ticks aren't restricted to bushland. Depending on where you live, dogs can encounter them in gardens and backyards, particularly where native wildlife is present.
Does my dog still need to be checked if they're using tick prevention?
Yes. Tick-prevention products are important, but regular physical checking provides another layer of protection.
What are the first signs of tick paralysis in dogs?
Early signs can include lethargy, weakness, wobbliness in the back legs, reduced appetite and changes to the dog's bark. Signs can progress and become life-threatening.
What should I do if my dog has a tick and seems unwell?
Contact a veterinarian immediately. Tick paralysis is potentially fatal and requires urgent veterinary assessment and treatment.
Should my dog have tick prevention all year?
This depends on where you live, your dog's lifestyle and local tick risk. In warmer regions, year-round protection may be recommended. Your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate prevention schedule for your dog.
Final Thoughts
Ticks may be tiny, but the consequences of tick paralysis can be devastating.
The best defence is being prepared.
Keep your dog's tick prevention up to date, regularly run your hands through their coat, know what you're looking for, and pay attention to changes in their behaviour, movement, voice or breathing.
Most importantly, don't wait to see whether symptoms improve if you suspect tick paralysis.
Seek veterinary help.
At Wagly, we believe enjoying the world with your dog should always go hand in hand with keeping them safe. Whether they're exploring the backyard, heading out with their dog walker, or joining you for a weekend adventure, a few minutes spent checking for ticks is time well spent.
Because sometimes protecting your best friend really does come down to noticing the smallest things.
Related Reading
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Until next time
The Wagly Team
