How to protect your dog or cat from tick paralysis

Tick paralysis is one of those things no pet parent ever wants to face. But in many parts of Australia, it’s a very real risk for both dogs and cats, particularly during warmer months.

The reassuring news is that tick paralysis isn’t inevitable. With the right prevention, regular checks and early action, many cases can be avoided altogether.

In this blog, we’ll explore what tick paralysis is, where the risks are highest, and the simple steps you can take to help keep your pet safe.

Table of contents

What is tick paralysis?
Where paralysis ticks are found
How to protect your dog or cat from tick paralysis
Early signs of tick paralysis to watch for
What to do if you find a tick
Final tips for keeping your pet safe

What is tick paralysis?

Tick paralysis occurs when a paralysis tick (known as Ixodes holocyclus) attaches to your pet and releases a toxin while feeding. This toxin interferes with your pet’s nervous system, which can lead to muscle weakness, difficulty breathing and, if not treated quickly, can be life-threatening.

Both dogs and cats can be affected, which is why awareness and prevention is so important.

Where paralysis ticks are found

Paralysis ticks are most common along Australia’s humid east coast, from North Queensland down to Victoria.

In northern regions, ticks may be active year-round. In southern areas, the risk is usually higher from spring through to autumn. These ticks tend to thrive in:

Bushland and scrub
Long grass
Leaf litter
Damp, shaded areas
Areas where native wildlife such as bandicoots, possums, and wallabies are present

Even suburban backyards can provide the right conditions, especially after rain.

How to protect your dog or cat from tick paralysis

Avoid high-risk areas

During tick season, try to limit your pet’s exposure to bushy or scrubby areas where ticks are more common. If you live in, or travel through, a high-risk area, extra vigilance is key.

Keep your outdoor space tidy

Ticks love places where they can hide. Keeping lawns short, trimming shrubs and clearing leaf litter can help make your yard less inviting to ticks.

Use tick prevention products

There’s a range of vet-approved products that help protect dogs and cats from ticks. These include topical treatments, oral medications, and special collars.

It’s important to always use products made specifically for your pet’s species. Dog products should never be used on cats, and the same goes the other way around. Cats and dogs process chemicals differently, and even similar products can have different effects.

Have a chat with your vet about the best option for your pet, their age and their lifestyle. When it comes to tick prevention, the right product, used the right way, can make a big difference.

Check your pet daily

Check your dog or cat for ticks at least once a day, and always after walks in bushland, long grass, or other tick-prone areas, especially during tick season. Use your fingertips to feel through the coat and down to the skin. Ticks or tick craters can feel like small lumps.

When checking your pet, focus on:

Face, nose, eyes, lips and ears (inside and out)
Neck and under the collar (remove the collar first)
Around the chest and along the back
Under the front legs and in the armpit area
Belly, groin and around the tail
Legs, paws and between the toes

Most ticks are found towards the front of the body, but it’s important to check your entire pet. Daily checks only take a few minutes and can make a life-saving difference.

Early signs of tick paralysis to watch for

Spotting tick paralysis early greatly improves the chances of recovery.

Signs to watch for include:

Wobbliness or weakness, especially in the back legs
A change in bark or meow
Coughing, retching, vomiting, or laboured breathing
Drooling or loss of appetite

If you notice any unusual behaviour or weakness, see your vet straight away. Sooner is always better when it comes to tick paralysis.

What to do if you find a tick

If you find a tick on your dog or cat:

Remove it immediately
Wear disposable gloves if you can
Use a tick remover or fine-tipped tweezers
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, aiming for the head
Pull steadily, don’t squeeze or twist the tick’s body
Place the tick in a sealed container or zip-lock bag with a little alcohol
After removal, gently dab the area with a mild antiseptic

Continue checking your pet carefully, as some dogs and cats can have more than one tick at a time. Once you’ve removed all the ticks, take your pet to the vet immediately. Tick paralysis is a life-threatening condition that needs urgent veterinary care, even if your pet seems okay.

Final tips for keeping your pet safe

Consistent prevention, daily checks, and knowing what signs to look for goes a long way in protecting your dog or cat from tick paralysis. But even with the best prevention methods in place, ticks can still find their way onto your pet.

When that happens, pet insurance can help support you with some of the unexpected costs of treatment, so you can focus on your best mate’s recovery.

At RSPCA Pet Insurance our cover is backed by 150 years of animal welfare experience, informed by RSPCA vets, and directly supports vulnerable animals in the RSPCA’s care. To learn more about how we can support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

References

[1] RSPCA Knowledgebase. How can I protect my dog or cat from tick paralysis?
Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-protect-my-dog-or-cat-from-tick-paralysis

FAQs

Yes, they can. Ticks can make their way into your home via people, clothing, or other pets. Even indoor-only dogs and cats should have regular tick checks and vet-recommended protection, especially in high-risk areas.

No product can offer 100% protection. While tick prevention products can reduce the risk of your pet getting a tick, daily tick checks are still essential, particularly during tick season or after time outdoors.

Both can be seriously affected, but cats often show more subtle signs early on, which can make tick paralysis harder to spot. Regular checks and close observation are especially important for cats.

See your vet straight away. Not all ticks are easy to find, and early symptoms can be vague. It’s always safer to act quickly as this could save your pet’s life.

Tick paralysis treatment can lead to unexpected vet bills, particularly if urgent care or hospitalisation is needed. Whether it’s covered will depend on the type of pet insurance you’ve chosen. If you’d like to see how RSPCA Pet Insurance approaches cover for tick paralysis treatment, you can fetch a quote or have a chat to the team. They’ll walk you through what’s included and help you work out whether our cover could be right for your pet.