Warmer temperatures have arrived and so have potentially deadly paralysis ticks.
Pet owners are urged to stay up to date with tick prevention treatments and to often check their pet’s fur to avoid Vet fees that range from $5,000 to $10,000.
Roughly 10,000 dogs are affected by ticks every year and approximately 500 of these dogs will die.
Tick season is here: Here's how to protect yourself and your pets https://t.co/5giC5g5uE8 pic.twitter.com/BKRPqdDz8Z
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) April 13, 2024
Dog owner Avah Reus recently lost her dog Marley to a tick earlier this month.
“I noticed that she had become quite lethargic and as time passed, she began to display severe symptoms like vomiting,” Ms Reus said.
“I took her to the vet where they found a tick and after trying everything that they could, the most humane thing to do was put her out of her pain.”
Fellow dog owner Shara Flanagan is a firm supporter of prioritising parasite prevention against fleas, ticks and worms.
“I give my dogs a monthly chewable tablet called Simparica Trio which prevents fleas, ticks, mites, intestinal worms and heartworm,” she said.
“It can be very easy and cheap to protect your pet, so I think every single owner should speak to their vet or do their research regarding what prevention method will be best for their pet.”
Even with the high efficacy rate of products on the market, there is still a chance ticks can latch themselves on especially in spring and summer where the “tick season” is most prevalent in Australia.
Pet owners should be cautious and bring them to a vet if they are concerned.