Paralysis Tick Treatment & Emergency Care 

What should I do if I find a tick on my pet?

If you find a tick on your dog or cat, remove it as soon as possible using a tick remover or fine tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling steadily. If you are unsure how to remove it, call us for advice.

Even after a tick is removed, your pet should still be checked by a vet. The toxin already injected by the tick can continue to affect your pet for some time, and symptoms may worsen after removal.

If possible, keep the tick in a small container or bag and bring it with you. This can help our vets identify whether it may be a paralysis tick.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking advice.

What is tick paralysis?

Tick paralysis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by the paralysis tick, commonly found along Australia’s east coast.

When a paralysis tick attaches to your pet, it feeds on their blood and releases a toxin that affects the nervous system. This toxin interferes with the way nerves communicate with muscles, causing progressive weakness and paralysis.

In severe cases, tick paralysis can affect the muscles involved in breathing and swallowing, making it a true veterinary emergency.

Early signs of tick paralysis in dogs and cats

Early signs can be subtle, especially in cats. Many owners first notice that their pet seems “not quite right.”

Early signs of tick paralysis may include:

• Weakness or tiredness
• Wobbly walking, especially in the back legs
• Reluctance to jump, climb stairs or move normally
• A change in bark or meow
• Gagging, coughing or retching
• Drooling or difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Restlessness or unusual behaviour

If you notice any of these signs, call us immediately. Pets treated early generally have a better chance of recovery.

Severe signs that need emergency care

Tick paralysis can progress quickly. As the toxin affects more muscles, pets may become unable to stand, swallow or breathe normally.

Go straight to a 24-hour emergency hospital, or call us immediately, if your pet shows:

• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse
• Blue, grey or pale gums
• Severe weakness or inability to stand
• Rapid worsening of symptoms
• Repeated gagging, choking or vomiting
• Signs of distress or panic
• Inability to swallow

These signs can indicate respiratory compromise and may require oxygen support, intensive monitoring or ventilation.

How we treat tick paralysis at The Village Vet?

Treatment depends on how severely your pet is affected and how quickly they are seen.

Tick paralysis treatment may include:

• Careful tick search and removal
• Identification of the tick where possible
• Tick antiserum to neutralise circulating toxin
• Sedation to keep your pet calm and reduce stress
• IV fluids and supportive care
• Monitoring of breathing, swallowing and neurological signs
• Oxygen support where needed
• Referral for 24-hour emergency care in more serious cases

Tick antiserum helps neutralise new circulating toxin, but it does not instantly reverse paralysis that has already developed. This is why ongoing monitoring and supportive care are so important.

When does my pet need a 24-hour emergency hospital?

Some mild cases may be assessed and managed through The Village Vet, especially when caught early. However, moderate to severe tick paralysis often requires intensive monitoring and overnight emergency care.

We may recommend referral to a 24-hour emergency hospital if your pet needs:

• Oxygen support
• Overnight monitoring
• Ventilation support
• Intensive nursing care
• Ongoing sedation
• Repeated checks of breathing and swallowing
• Emergency treatment outside our opening hours

For critical cases, we may refer to trusted emergency hospitals such as NEVS in Terrey Hills, where pets can receive 24-hour monitoring and intensive care.

How to check your pet for paralysis ticks?

Daily tick checks are one of the most important ways to protect your pet, especially during peak tick season or after walks through bushland, long grass or leafy areas.

Use your fingertips to slowly feel through your pet’s coat. Small ticks can be very difficult to see, so tick checks should be done by feel, not just by sight.

Check carefully around:

• Head and ears
• Lips, chin and face
• Neck and collar area
• Shoulders and chest
• Armpits and groin
• Between the toes
• Under the tail
• Along the back and belly

Remove collars during the check, as ticks commonly hide underneath them.

Can pets still get ticks if they are on prevention?

Yes. Tick prevention is extremely important, but no product is 100% protective.

Protection can be affected by missed doses, incorrect dosing, swimming, bathing, product wear-off, or gaps between treatments. Some pets may also still pick up ticks even while on prevention.

This is why we recommend combining effective tick prevention with regular manual tick checks.

Our vets can help you choose the most appropriate tick prevention for your dog or cat based on their species, lifestyle, age, weight and health history.

Preventing tick paralysis

The best approach to tick paralysis is prevention.

To reduce your pet’s risk:

• Use year-round tick prevention recommended by your vet
• Check your pet daily by touch, especially around the head, neck and shoulders
• Be extra cautious after bushwalks, beach trips, long grass or garden time
• Keep lawns short and reduce dense foliage where ticks may hide
• Check bedding, collars, harnesses and outdoor resting areas
• Never use dog-only tick products on cats unless your vet has confirmed they are safe

If you are unsure whether your pet is protected, contact us. We can help check whether their prevention is up to date.