Tick Season is nearly here in Queensland: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

Your guide to prevention, early signs, and why acting fast can save your pet’s life.

If you live in Queensland, chances are you’ve heard of tick paralysis, but how much do you really know about it? At Animal Emergency Centre Gold Coast (AEC), we saw the devastating effects firsthand last year, treating 134 urgent tick paralysis cases. It’s common, it’s dangerous, and it’s preventable.

Here’s what every dog and cat owner should know about tick paralysis in our sunny state.

What Is Tick Paralysis?

Tick paralysis is caused by a toxin in the saliva of the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus), a small parasite that packs a big punch. While native wildlife like bandicoots and possums can carry these ticks without getting sick, our pets aren’t so lucky.

Once a tick latches onto your dog or cat and starts feeding, its toxin spreads into the bloodstream, disrupting the connection between nerves and muscles. This leads to progressive paralysis, usually starting in the back legs and often moving to the lungs and throat, making it difficult to breathe or swallow.

Without treatment, tick paralysis can be fatal.

Where Do Pets Get Ticks?

Paralysis ticks thrive along the eastern coast of Australia, especially in bushy, grassy, or coastal areas. But don’t think your pet is only at risk during holidays or out on walks, ticks can hitch a ride home on camping gear, clothing, or even other animals. This means your pet can even be at risk in your own backyard!

Tick season peaks in spring and early summer, but cases are reported year-round in Queensland’s warm climate.

What Are the Warning Signs?

Tick paralysis can start subtly, which is why it's crucial to know what to look for.

In dogs, early signs may include:

· Wobbly back legs

· A change in bark

· Coughing, gagging or vomiting

· Laboured breathing

· Dilated pupils

In cats, symptoms can be harder to spot:

· Agitation or restlessness

· Change in meow

· Retching or coughing

· Dilated pupils

· Subtle weakness

If your pet shows any of these signs, call your vet or emergency clinic immediately.

How Is It Treated?

If a paralysis tick is found or suspected, treatment involves:

· Tick antiserum to neutralise the toxin

· Sedation and oxygen therapy (sometimes through a ventilator) if breathing is affected,

· IV fluids and medications to control vomiting or agitation

· Thorough tick searches and insecticide treatments to kill other ticks that may be hiding

At Animal Emergency Centre (AEC), our emergency teams are trained to act fast, and it makes all the difference. Many of the 134 tick paralysis patients we treated last year made a full recovery thanks to rapid intervention.

How to Protect Your Pet

The good news? Tick paralysis is preventable.

· Use a vet-recommended tick preventative all year round

· Do daily tick checks, especially during tick season

· Keep your yard tidy and avoid long grass or bushland

· Check camping gear, towels, and clothing after holidays or after walks

· Be cautious even in suburban areas, ticks can show up anywhere including your backyard

Final Thoughts

Tick paralysis is serious but with correct prevention, awareness and action, it’s something we can fight together.

Got questions? Need help choosing a tick preventative? Or worried your pet might be showing signs of tick paralysis? Contact your local vet or reach out to the team at Animal Emergency Centre (AEC) 24/7. We're here to help.

TICKS - What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know