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Opinion: Tick’d off, the tiny terror lurking in plain sight
Tick season requires vigilance from both pet owners and veterinary professionals. Paralysis ticks are increasingly active, and research from the University of Queensland analysing over 10,000 tick bite cases at veterinary hospitals along the east coast, highlights how dangerous they are.
The study found that 73 per cent of dogs and 63 per cent of cats had ticks attached to the head, neck, or ears – locations that make early detection both difficult and critical.
Key warning signs can be subtle at first; sudden fatigue, wobbliness, incoordination, difficulty breathing, retching, trouble swallowing, or changes in a pet’s bark or meow. Early recognition can be life-saving. Once symptoms appear, treatment is intensive and costly, often requiring several days of hospital care. Even with expert veterinary attention, paralysis ticks can still be fatal. The stakes are high, and there is no room for complacency.
Veterinary clinics must be prepared on multiple fronts, staff should undergo regular training to identify the early signs of tick paralysis and respond immediately, while clear written protocols for urgent cases ensure every team member knows their role. Antiserum stock levels need constant monitoring, with contingency plans for urgent replenishment.
Communication with clients is equally critical. Veterinary teams should proactively educate pet owners about the signs of tick paralysis, high-risk areas, and preventive measures. This can include clear guidance on checking pets’ heads, necks, and ears, how to safely remove ticks, and the benefits of year-round tick prevention treatments. Clinics can also provide reminders via newsletters, social media, or text alerts, reinforcing awareness and prompting regular check-ins. Transparency about treatment costs, recovery expectations, and insurance coverage helps pet owners make informed decisions before an emergency arises.
Retailers have a complementary role. Pet owners rely on trusted advice when selecting tick prevention products, and retailers can guide them to effective, year-round solutions. Prevention is a continuous responsibility, not limited to warmer months. Stocking and promoting products that protect against ticks, along with guidance on regular checks, empowers owners to stay ahead of the threat. This education is particularly valuable in regional areas where tick awareness may be lower.
Prevention also reduces financial stress. Treating tick paralysis is expensive, with the average case costing around $2,000 and severe cases exceeding $10,000. Pet insurance can ease the burden, but owners must understand any sublimits on tick paralysis coverage, which may only cover part of the treatment. Retailers and veterinarians should encourage clients to review policies and integrate prevention into their regular pet care routines.
Protecting pets from paralysis ticks is a shared responsibility. Owners must commit to year-round preventive treatments, routine checks, and prompt attention to symptoms. Veterinarians must maintain readiness, provide clear guidance, and communicate consistently. Retailers must supply high-quality products and expert advice.
Ticks are not a seasonal nuisance, they are a serious, potentially fatal threat. By combining vigilance, education, prevention, and early intervention, we can keep pets safe and healthy throughout the year. The time to act is now, before the next tick takes hold.
This article was written by Dr Teagan Lever, Director of Vet Services at Pet Circle.
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