Dog owners in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges are being warned to protect their pets from paralysis ticks moving into the warmer months.
Australia’s paralysis tick season runs from September to March. Veterinarian, Dr Katrina Warren (pictured), says paralysis tick cases are already being reported by clinics around the country with experts predicting a bad season ahead.
Paralysis ticks cause weakness of the hindquarters to start and progresses to total paralysis or death.
Dr Warren is appealing to all dog owners to proactively talk to a local vet if their pets present similar symptoms.
“Over the past 20 years I have seen many heart-breaking situations where people have lost their beloved dogs to tick paralysis or spent thousands of dollars in vet bills,” she says.
“These ticks can be lethal and preventative treatment, coupled with daily searching for ticks on your dog, is absolutely essential.”
Other early symptoms include the appearance that the dog has something stuck in its throat, vomiting or heavy, loud breathing.
