Ticks are a common parasite in dogs in many parts of Australia and can cause serious illness, including potentially life-threatening tick paralysis. In the Sydney region, paralysis ticks are a significant risk to dogs and require year-round prevention.
Ticks are external parasites that attach to dogs and feed on blood. In Australia, the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is of particular concern, especially along the east coast, including Sydney and surrounding regions. While feeding, paralysis ticks release a toxin that affects the nervous system and can lead to progressive weakness, paralysis and breathing difficulties.
Dogs may be exposed to ticks in bushland, parks, suburban gardens and coastal areas. Tick paralysis is a medical emergency and early recognition is important to improve the chances of recovery.
Early recognition of tick paralysis is important, as signs can progress rapidly without treatment. Early symptoms may include weakness or wobbliness, particularly in the hind legs, vomiting, coughing, gagging, or changes in bark or voice.
As paralysis progresses, dogs may develop difficulty standing, severe weakness, breathing difficulties or collapse. These signs require immediate veterinary attention.
Year-round tick prevention is recommended for dogs living in or travelling to tick-risk areas, including Sydney and much of the east coast of Australia. Regular prevention is the most effective way to reduce the risk of tick paralysis.
Veterinary tick prevention products may include oral medications, spot-on treatments, collars and long-acting injectable products. Long-acting injectable parasite prevention may be particularly useful for owners who find regular monthly dosing difficult.
Daily tick checks are also important, particularly around the head, ears, neck, under the collar, between the toes and under the tail. Keeping grass short and reducing access to dense vegetation may also help reduce tick exposure around the home.
If you find a tick on your dog, contact your veterinarian for advice as soon as possible, particularly if your dog is showing any signs of illness. Signs of tick paralysis can continue to develop or worsen even after a tick is removed.
If safe to do so, the tick should be removed promptly. Dogs showing weakness, wobbliness, vomiting, breathing difficulties or changes in bark or voice require immediate veterinary attention.
We strongly recommend bringing your dog to a veterinary clinic as soon as any of these symptoms appear for assessment and appropriate treatment.
Tick paralysis requires prompt veterinary treatment and monitoring. Treatment may include removal of ticks, administration of tick antiserum, supportive care and close monitoring, depending on the severity of illness.
Some dogs with tick paralysis require hospitalisation and intensive nursing care, particularly if breathing difficulties develop. Early treatment generally improves the chances of recovery.
The cost of tick prevention varies depending on your dog’s size, lifestyle and the type of product used. Some products also provide protection against additional parasites such as fleas, heartworm or intestinal worms. Your veterinarian can help recommend a prevention plan that is appropriate for your dog and household.
Treatment for tick paralysis may involve additional costs due to hospitalisation, intensive nursing care and supportive treatment.
Our veterinarians provide personalised advice on tick prevention and parasite control based on your dog’s lifestyle, environment and level of tick exposure. Our University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals are committed to evidence-based preventive care to support your pet’s ongoing health and wellbeing.
Emergency veterinary care is available for dogs requiring urgent assessment and treatment for tick paralysis.
Yes. Many tick prevention products work by rapidly killing ticks after they attach, helping reduce the risk of tick paralysis. Finding a tick does not necessarily mean the product has failed. If safe to do so, remove the tick promptly and continue to monitor your dog closely for any signs of illness. Contact your veterinarian if you have concerns or your dog becomes unwell.
Early signs may include weakness or wobbliness, particularly in the hind legs, vomiting, coughing, gagging, or changes in bark or voice.
Contact your veterinarian for advice, particularly if your dog is showing any signs of illness. Dogs showing weakness, vomiting or breathing difficulties require immediate veterinary attention.
Yes. Paralysis ticks can be active throughout the year in the Sydney region, although risk often increases during warmer months. Year-round prevention is recommended.
