Ticks are more than just a nuisance – they’re a serious health threat to dogs. In Australia, ticks like the paralysis tick can cause life-threatening reactions if not removed quickly. Whether you’re heading to the dog park, the bush, or the beach, knowing how to deal with ticks is essential for every responsible dog owner.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to prevent ticks on dogs, how to safely remove a tick, and what symptoms to look out for if your dog gets bitten.
Why Ticks Are Dangerous for Dogs
Ticks latch onto your dog’s skin and feed on their blood. While this might sound minor, certain species – particularly the paralysis tick – inject toxins that can cause:
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Muscle weakness or paralysis
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Vomiting or refusal to eat
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Change in bark or breathing difficulties
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In severe cases, death if untreated
This is why early detection and prevention are so important.
Tick Prevention for Dogs
✅ Use a Vet-Recommended Tick Treatment
Protect your dog year-round with a tick preventative. These come in the form of:
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Oral tablets (e.g., NexGard, Bravecto)
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Spot-on treatments (e.g., Advantix)
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Tick collars (e.g., Seresto)
Choose a product based on your dog’s size, breed, and lifestyle. Consistent use is key.
✅ Perform Daily Tick Checks
If you live in or visit tick-prone areas, check your dog every day, especially:
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Around the ears and neck
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Under the collar or harness
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Between the toes
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Around the eyes, lips, and under the tail
✅ Keep Their Environment Tick-Free
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Trim grass and remove leaf litter from your yard.
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Avoid bushy, overgrown trails during high-risk months (spring to autumn).
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Wash your dog’s bedding and gear regularly.
How to Remove a Tick from Your Dog
If you find a tick, act quickly and follow these steps:
🧷 Step-by-Step Tick Removal
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Use fine-point tweezers or a tick remover.
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Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
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Pull upwards slowly and steadily – don’t twist or squeeze.
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Disinfect the area with antiseptic and keep the tick in a container (your vet may want to identify it).
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Monitor your dog for symptoms over the next few days.
⚠️ Avoid home remedies like Vaseline or burning – they can make the situation worse.
Signs of Tick Paralysis in Dogs
If your dog shows any of the following, go to the vet immediately:
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Weakness in the back legs
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Vomiting or gagging
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Wobbly walk or collapsing
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Laboured breathing
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Change in bark or inability to bark
Early treatment saves lives.
Tick Season in Australia
In many parts of Australia, ticks are a year-round concern – but especially from August to March. If you live along the east coast (NSW, QLD), your dog is at a higher risk of encountering paralysis ticks.
Final Tick Safety Tips for Dog Owners
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Always inspect your dog after walks, especially in tick-prone areas.
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Keep a tick remover in your pet first aid kit.
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Don’t wait – if you suspect a tick bite, see your vet immediately.
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Use high-quality gear – tick-safe collars and harnesses can help avoid exposure.
Help Keep Your Dog Tick-Free With Our Premium Dog Gear
Our waterproof, tangle-resistant dog gear is made for adventure – and designed with safety in mind. Pair it with your preferred tick preventative to give your dog the best protection this season.