Aussie pet owners warned of $1000 mistake heading into summer: 'Act now'
There are collectively some 10 million cats and dogs in Australia that are susceptible to tick paralysis.
Pet owners are being warned this year's upcoming tick season could be one of the "most severe" in recent memory, with warm and wet weather spreading across the country ripening conditions for the unwanted pests.
Experts say tick prevention is necessary and not voluntary "during this critical season" and animal lovers have been told to "act now before it's too late." There are collectively some 10 million cats and dogs in Australia that are susceptible to ticks, and vets warned earlier this year they've also been recorded spreading further into urban areas, adding to the danger.
"The weather is certainly leaning towards a big tick season. In previous years, when we have had mild wet winters, ticks have become a big problem when spring comes along. The early onset can also see the tick season lasting longer, so now is the time for all pet owners to be aware of the potential dangers," Nadia Crighton of Pet Insurance Australia told Yahoo News.
"Pet owners need to be not just vigilant, but proactive in prevention. Your actions can make a significant difference in your pet's safety — paralysis ticks can be fatal if left untreated."
Ticks spreading further into cities, vet says
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia Dr Alexandra Swan, Head Emergency Vet at SASH Western Sydney, previously warned ticks were coming closer to our cities.
"Paralysis ticks are carried in through native wild animals," she told Yahoo. "And as there's more development in city areas, and their habitats are destroyed, a lot of native animals like blue tongue, lizards and possums are starting to take up residence in people's yards. And that's where they bring in the paralysis ticks and then they affect our pets."
When a tick latches onto an animal, it releases a toxin that can lead to life-threatening paralysis. Early signs include weakness in the hind legs, a change in voice, or excessive drooling. If left untreated, the condition can quickly worsen, impairing breathing and resulting in death.
According to recent data from veterinary clinics across NSW, the number of reported tick paralysis cases had already surpassed last year's figures, with regions close to bushland or the coast, such as Terry Hills, Turramurra, and the Blue Mountains, seeing a massive surge in cases.
According to research conducted by the University of Queensland, spring, particularly on Sydney's northern beaches, is the peak danger period for ticks. "Now is the time for pet owners to take action and ensure their pets are safe," Crighton said. "Tick conditions are expected to increase drastically over the next few months."
Lack of prevention could prove a costly mistake
According to another 2024 study, conducted by PetSure, average claims for tick paralysis treatment exceeded $1,000 for dogs and $900 for cats. In some extreme cases, costs soared to the eye-watering $24,000 mark for dogs and more than $5,000 for cats.
"Given these findings, it's critical for pet owners to stay vigilant and consult with their vets to ensure their pets are protected throughout this extended tick season," Crighton said.
"Many residential areas have now infiltrated zones surrounded by bushlands. So, it's always best to have your pet protected. Dogs tend to walk in bush areas and outdoor cats travel to these areas where ticks could be a problem.
"It is also good to note that if you do not live in a tick-known area, always check with a local vet in the area you intend to travel. Many pets also succumb to paralysis ticks while holidaying in high tick zones."
Swan urged all pet owners to be "vigilant with tick preventative medications and talk to your vet about which ones are most effective". "There are some products that ticks are becoming resistant to lately. So talk to vets about what's most appropriate for your pet and ensure that they're covered year-long," she said.
