Ticks are a common pest that plague pet owners and they can be found all over the world. There are effective treatment options that are affordable and can usually be purchased over the counter which help eliminate and prevent ticks from coming back.
However, pet owners in parts of Australia must deal with a bigger threat known as the paralysis tick. This is one of 75 Australian tick species and is one of the most dangerous to your pets. Also known as Ixodes holocyclus, the paralysis tick can cause serious issues for your dog or cat due to the neurotoxin that is produced by the insect’s salivary gland. After the tick has been attached to its host for an extended time, it will transmit the toxin to its host.
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Where Are Paralysis Ticks Found?
Two of the most common hosts for these types of ticks are possums and bandicoots; however, they can be found on any other type of native Australian wildlife. These animals are usually not affected by the powerful toxin the same way that your dog or cat may be. Ticks can attach themselves to your pets as they walk through tall grass or bushes where native animals have been, especially bandicoots and possums. Learn here at thepitsky.com about how you can keep your pet safe from paralysis and other ticks.
Can I Use the Same Treatment for My Dog and Cat?
When you purchase a tick preventative for your pet, be sure to use a product that is registered for use with either a dog or a cat. There are some dog tick products on the market that can be extremely toxic to cats. If you are unsure about what type of product to use on your cat, you should take him or her for paralysis tick treatments for cats by Gordon Vet Hospital. It is a good idea to do the same for your dog to ensure that he or she gets the right type of treatment to prevent these harmful pests. Visit geekfishing.net to learn more about health to ensure your beloved cat stays healthy.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms to Look for?
Each spring and summer, veterinarians throughout the Ku Ring Gai area treat many of their patients due to tick paralysis. A professional West Lindfield vet such as Gordon Vet may recommend that all pet parents look for the most common signs of tick paralysis such as:
- Vomiting, regurgitating, or lack of appetite
- A change in their voice such as a bark or meow that sounds hoarse
- Lack of coordination while walking
- Breathing problems
- Weakness in their back legs
It is important to remember that sometimes patients may not show any of the usual signs of tick paralysis. Therefore, if your cat or dog is behaving differently or if he or she spends time outdoors, you should check him or her for ticks on a regular basis. Learn here at tonsofcats.com about how you can keep your pet safe from paralysis and other ticks.