One of the biggest concern for dogs owners in Australia is the Paralysis tick (Ixodes Holocyclus), causing a fatality rate of over 1000 dogs per year in Australia. For more information visit www.virbac.com.au

1. Paralysis Ticks
Prevention is always
better than cure

2. One of the biggest concern for
dogs owners in Australia is the
Paralysis tick (Ixodes
Holocyclus), causing a fatality
rate of over 1000 dogs per year
in Australia.

3. • Paralysis ticks are commonly found
along the east coast of Australia,
from Lakes Entrance in Victoria to
Cape York in Queensland.
• Paralysis ticks survive in the
warmer months - from spring to late
autumn, however can be found all
year in northern and coastal areas
of Australia.
• They usually dwell around
bushland, particularly around long
grass and moist areas, however
they can also be found in other
areas.
Where are paralysis ticks
found?

4. • Only the adult female paralysis tick
will attach to your dog. Once
attached the tick feeds on the blood
and produces a toxin contained
within its saliva.
• The toxin affects your dog's central
nervous system and cause gradual
paralysis.
• The clinical signs only become
noticeable 3 to 4 days after
attachment. If left untreated,
paralysis leads to death.
How do paralysis ticks harm
your dog?

5. • Change in tone of bark
• Weakness in the back legs,
progressing to the front legs
• Wobbling and loss of coordinated
• Regurgitation or vomiting
• Laboured breathing
If your dog is suffering from any of
these signs, take your dog
immediately to a veterinarian.
What are the symptoms of
tick paralysis?

6. • Avoid tick areas when possible.
• Use an effective paralysis tick
control product to help prevent
ticks from attaching to your dog.
• Check your dog for ticks daily –
carefully feel all over your dog
paying particular attention to the
chest, neck and head area, inside
the ears, between the toes. The
majority of ticks are found on the
front half of the dog.
• Clip long haired dogs to make
daily checking easier.
How can you protect your
dog?

7. • There are a variety of products on
the market to help prevent paralysis
tick, including tick collars, spot-on’s
and sprays.
• These products offer varying
protection, your veterinarian can
help select a product that best suits
your needs.
• Whatever product you use, it is still
important to check your dog daily for
ticks - prevention is always better
than cure.

8. For more information on tick
control visit www.virbac.com.au