Paralysis ticks are in Melbourne
Along with all the benefits of living in the most liveable city in the world, not having to worry about the paralysis tick was an added bonus.
Unfortunately, thanks to climate change, they have arrived on our doorstep.
I don’t want to be an alarmist and worry pet owners unnecessarily, the risk is still very low and even lower if you and your pet don’t venture much past our neat nature strips and dog parks.
However, for peace of mind, please follow the tips below and speak to your trusted vet if you have any questions.
Tick tips:
- Keep your pet’s hair short
- Ticks hang out in long grass. Keep your pooch out! (snakes hang there too)
- Check your pet’s coat regularly – ticks need to be attached for 2-3 days before they inject their poison
- Added tick prevention – 100% necessary for those pet owners travelling with their pet either north (towards the Murray) or east of Melbourne (towards Gippsland)
- The Bravecto chew will protect your dog for 4 months from the paralysis tick. It can be used safely in conjunction with most other parasite preventions (Advocate, Sentinel etc.)
- Cats – unfortunately, there is only ONE product available. Frontline plus Spray – needs to be applied every 3 weeks.
- Other tick preventions – Advantix, Nexgard, Serasto collars – may be recommended.
