Parasite prevention has evolved significantly since the days of regularly spraying your pet with strong-smelling solutions or giving them daily tablets.

Recently, we've seen several patients return from coastal trips with the deadly paralysis ticks onboard.

Paralysis ticks are commonly found in coastal regions and to the east of the Blue Mountains.

Planning a trip to Sydney, the Central Coast, or going camping with your pet?

Be sure to implement tick prevention measures to help keep your furry friend safe.

Even if you're not bringing your pet along, remember that paralysis ticks can hitch a ride on plants, camping gear, and other items, posing a risk even if your pet isn’t directly exposed.

The toxin released by paralysis ticks leads to paralysis in affected pets, resulting in symptoms like progressive weakness in the legs and body, regurgitation that may resemble vomiting, breathing difficulties that can be fatal, an inability to blink or relieve themselves normally, and changes in their bark or voice.

Ultimately, the toxin causes paralysis, which kills animals by paralysing the breathing muscles.

Brown dog ticks are another type of tick that can transmit serious infectious diseases, such as ehrlichiosis in dogs.

If you’re traveling through Central Australia, it’s essential to take extra measures to protect your pets from ticks.

To ensure your pet is protected against fleas and ticks, it’s advisable to maintain prevention year-round, especially if your pet visits coastal areas or shares a home with another pet or person who does.

While ticks are less active in winter, they can still be found in coastal environments, and fleas can thrive year-round in warm homes.

For dogs, monthly or quarterly chewable tablets are effective for flea and tick prevention, while cats can benefit from topical treatments or veterinary-strength repellent collars.

Consider options like Bravecto, Nexgard Spectra, or Simparica TRIO.

We're the anti-parasite professionals for keeping creepy crawlies away from your pet, so consult our team at Parkes Vet for personalised advice on your pet's safest, easiest, and most effective parasite protection options.