Ticks
The Paralysis tick and brown dog tick are the most common ticks on dogs.
The paralysis tick is by far the most dangerous. When a paralysis tick affects a pet, the pet often dies.
Preventing tick paralysis is the best course of action. Ticks need humidity and mild weather to develop and will not survive and breed in cold climates.
Paralysis ticks are often grey in colour and all of the legs are bunched towards the front of the body, not spread down the side.
Signs of tick paralysis are •
- Dogs and cats often lose control of the throat and voice box •
- They may regurgitate or vomit •
- They have hind leg weakness and then the legs become paralysed •
- Paralysis extends up the spine towards the head until total paralysis occurs •
- Breathing becomes laboured and grunting is common
Prevention
Preventative treatments include some of the following: •
- Spot-on treatments •
- Tick collars •
- Permoxin sprays •
- Oral insecticides
Your dog should be searched daily for ticks. This is best achieved by running your fingers through your dogs fur. Searching for them by sight is difficult, however usually via touch you are able to hunt them out.
If you find a tick on your pet you should do the following: •
- Remove the tick immediately. The longer the tick is on the dog the more poison will be pumped into the dog. •
- Keep the tick to show the vet. It is important that they see what kind of tick was on your dog. •
- Take your dog to the vet, especially if you suspect the dog of having a paralysis tick.
Scooby Dooz has a flea & tick policy: If we find a tick on your dog when at Scooby Dooz we will remove and keep it. We will then call you to recommend your dog visit a vet.
Should we be unable to contact you we will seek veterinary treatment.
