Understanding Ticks: A Simple Guide for Pet Owners

As spring turns to summer and the weather warms up, one threat becomes more important than ever for pet owners: ticks. These tiny parasites may seem harmless at first—but for your pet, a tick bite can lead to serious illness, including life-threatening tick paralysis. At Vetmed, we’re committed to helping you stay one step ahead with the knowledge and tools to protect your best friend.

In this article, we’ll cover what ticks are and why they’re dangerous, when and where the risk is highest, how to spot signs of tick problems, practical prevention and removal strategies, and what to do if you suspect tick paralysis.

What Are Ticks & Why Are They Dangerous?

Ticks are small blood-feeding parasites that latch onto animals (and sometimes people), embedding themselves into the skin to feed. Some tick species inject toxins while they feed, which can interfere with nerve function and cause tick paralysis – a condition that, if left untreated, can impair breathing and even be fatal.

In Australia, especially along the east coast, the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is the most serious risk to cats and dogs. When fully engorged, it can appear bluish-grey or ballooned in size.

Tick paralysis is one of the most preventable causes of death in pets in NSW, but it still claims lives every year1. Even now, there are daily reports of pets in critical condition needing emergency treatment after tick bites2.

When & Where Is Tick Risk Highest?

Tick activity typically surges in spring and summer, particularly when conditions are warm and humid. In New South Wales, the peak tick season usually runs from October through March. However, while we’ve had higher numbers of cases during spring and summer, we’ve also seen cases occur throughout winter this year.

It’s important to note however, ticks can appear at any time in many parts of Australia, especially in areas with bushland, scrub, long grass, or heavy vegetation. Ticks may also be present in suburban gardens, under shrubs, or near compost heaps.

Because climate patterns are changing, tick seasons may be longer or more intense in some years. Along Australia’s east coast, reports suggest a boom in tick numbers following hot and wet seasons, making this year especially risky3.

Spotting Trouble: Early Signs of Tick Problems

Ticks themselves are sometimes obvious – small, dark lumps attached to your pet’s skin. But more often, it’s what happens afterward that raises alarm. Signs to watch for include:

Weakness or wobbliness, especially in the hind legs
Change in voice or barking/meowing
Excessive drooling or foaming
Coughing, gagging, or vomiting
Shallow or laboured breathing
Loss of appetite or lethargy

These symptoms can emerge gradually (over hours to a day) or suddenly, and may worsen quickly. Because some signs overlap with other illnesses, it’s crucial not to wait if you’re concerned, even if you don’t see a tick.

Prevention Is Your Best Defence

Use Vet-Recommended Tick Preventatives

A new option now available for dogs is Bravecto Quantum — an injectable parasiticide that provides up to a full year of flea and tick protection with just one dose. This innovative solution simplifies your dog’s preventative care and ensures your furry friend remains safe from both ticks and fleas throughout the year.

Other effective strategies include applying or administering tick-preventive products such as tablets, collars, or spot-ons, specifically suited to your pet’s species, weight, and health. Be sure to never use a dog-formulated tick treatment on a cat, as some dog tick products can be toxic to cats. Consistency is key: apply or dose exactly at the intervals recommended by your vet, as missing even a few days can leave your pet vulnerable

Daily Tick Checks

Even with preventatives, always check your pet’s skin and coat daily, especially after being outdoors. Use your fingers to part the fur and feel carefully, scanning areas like the ears, underarms, between toes, around the neck and tail base, skin folds, and under collars.

Performing this simple routine can catch ticks or “craters” (evidence of a prior tick) before toxins have had serious effect.

Manage Your Environment

You can reduce tick risk around your home by:

• Mowing lawns and trimming shrubs regularly
• Removing leaf litter and brush piles
• Keeping boundaries clean and avoiding dense undergrowth
• Avoiding taking pets through tall grass or heavy bush during peak times
• Shaving hair or thinning thick coats in high-risk areas for easier visual and manual checks

Tick Removal & What to Do If You Find One

If you find a tick, here’s how to respond:

Stay calm and act quickly

Use fine-tipped tweezers or a specialist tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out steadily (not twisting). Other methods include using freezing sprays (available from vets or pharmacies) to detach ticks from dogs however it’s generally better to remove the tick with a Tick Twister.

Clean the bite area with antiseptic and monitor closely over the next 24–48 hours. If you notice any symptoms, especially those mentioned above, seek veterinary help immediately.

Keep the removed tick (in a sealed container) so your vet can inspect it if needed.
Remember: even if you remove the tick, paralysis may already be progressing, so prompt veterinary consultation is vital.

Vetmed’s Role: Rapid Action & Tailored Support

At Vetmed, we take tick season seriously. Here’s what we offer:

Expert guidance on tick prevention products tailored for your pet’s age, weight, health, and lifestyle
Tick-check clinics or reminders during high-risk months
Emergency response for suspected tick paralysis, including antiserum, fluids and breathing support
Follow-up monitoring to ensure full recovery after tick-related illness

We always encourage pet owners to reach out immediately if any signs concern them – no hesitation, no waiting until morning.

Stay Vigilant & Stay Prepared

Tick season may bring hidden danger, but with careful vigilance and proactive measures, your pet can enjoy a safe, healthy summer. Make tick prevention part of your routine – use the right products, inspect daily, manage the environment, and call your vet if anything seems off.

Whether your pet is a backyard cat, a bushwalking companion, or just eager for summer walks, Vetmed is here to support you. Let’s keep ticks out and tails wagging.

With four Vetmed locations across Sydney: Lindfield, Randwick, Forestville, and Northbridge – care is nearby when it matters most. If you notice a lump or anything unusual, the sooner we see it, the more options we’ll have for effective treatment.

1 https://www.rspcansw.org.au/animal-care-information/tick-season-protecting-your-pet/
2 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-15/how-to-protect-your-pet-from-ticks/104599750
3 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/25/dog-owners-warned-about-boom-in-ticks-on-australias-east-coast-after-last-years-hot-wet-summer