Ticks on Dogs Guide: Statistics, Symptoms & Treatment Insights

As pet owners, the last thing we want to see is our furry friends suffer from the discomfort and health issues caused by ticks. These tiny parasites can cause serious problems, including skin irritation and severe illnesses, leaving our faithful companions in pain.

Ticks on dogs disrupt your pet's comfort and happiness and can lead to long-term health complications if not treated. This guide helps pet owners recognise, treat, and avoid tick infestations, ensuring dogs are happy, healthy, and tick-free!

Understanding Ticks: Why They Pose a Threat to Your Dog's Health?

Ticks are more than just a nuisance. These pests can transmit dangerous diseases that lead to serious health risks. Understanding these threats can help you identify, treat, and prevent ticks to keep your pet safe.

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of animals and humans. These pests are related to mites and spiders; they have eight legs despite looking like insects.

Ticks are parasites that live outside the body of their host. These have a multi-stage life cycle:

1. Eggs: Ticks start as tiny eggs laid in large numbers.
2. Larva:  These eggs hatch into larvae with six legs.
3. Nymph: Larvae feed and moult to become nymphs with eight legs.
4. Adult ticks: Nymphs moult to become adult ticks.

In every stage, ticks require blood from their hosts. They use their specialised mouthparts to attach to the skin of the animal or human and use these parts to feed on blood for days. While feeding, ticks transmit various diseases to their hosts.

Types of Ticks That Affect Dogs in Australia

There are various types of ticks on dogs in Australia. Every pet owner must learn how to identify each type to ensure the safety of their pets, especially when their dogs walk, play, or train outdoors.

 

Source: NexGard

The three most common ticks that affect dogs in Australia are the paralysis tick, bush tick, and brown dog tick.

Paralysis tick

Paralysis ticks are found along the east coast, from northern Queensland to Victoria. They produce neurotoxins that can cause paralysis in dogs, causing fatal effects. The symptoms of a paralysis tick bite include weakness in the hind legs, a hoarse bark, vomiting, and dilated pupils. When left untreated, a dog can develop difficulty swallowing and breathing.

Bush tick

The Australian bush tick is from Asia and is across Australia's east and west coasts. Its bite causes severe skin irritation. Bush ticks can transmit fatal infectious diseases to dogs, including babesiosis. The babesia parasites attack the dog's red blood cells, causing anaemia and, in worst cases, death.

Brown dog tick

Brown dog ticks are very common in the northern and inland regions. Their bites irritate, and heavily infested dogs can develop anaemia due to blood loss. Like bush ticks, brown dog ticks also transmit fatal diseases such as Babesia and Ehrlichiosis.

Why Are Ticks Dangerous for Dogs?

Ticks are dangerous for dogs because they can cause skin irritation and infect dogs with fatal diseases. Here are reasons why you must protect your pet against ticks.

• Blood loss:  Ticks feed on dogs' blood. Severe tick infestations can lead to severe blood loss and anaemia.
• Transmitted diseases:  Ticks are vectors for diseases such as Ehrlichiosis, which can be fatal when left untreated.
• Skin irritation and itching:  Tick bites are very itchy. Dogs may scratch excessively due to the itch, which leads to discomfort and skin infections.
• Tick paralysis:  Some species release toxins that cause muscle weakness, paralysis, or death when left untreated.
• Secondary infections:  Ticks can also introduce bacteria and other pathogens into the bloodstream, which leads to secondary infections.

The Impact of Tick Infestations on Dogs: Key Statistics You Should Know

Understanding the scope of tick paralysis infestation in dogs can help you take the right action to prevent tick bites and prompt proper treatment.

How Common Are Ticks on Dogs in Australia?

Ticks are more prevalent along Australia's coasts, with the deadly paralysis tick found mostly along the east coast. 

 

Source: RSPCA

New South Wales

Bush ticks, paralysis ticks, and cattle ticks are the main concerns in NSW. Around 90% of ticks in the region are bush ticks, while 10% are paralysis ticks. Meanwhile, cattle ticks are considered a notifiable pest under the NSW Biosecurity Regulation of 2017 and are subject to eradication.

• Bush ticks are commonly found in moist, temperate environments in NSW, such as those with thick pasture. These species are most active from October to February.
• Paralysis ticks are often found in scrubby bushland areas with moist conditions. They feed on cattle, small mammals, and domestic animals. They are most active from August to December but may strike anytime.
• Cattle ticks are most active from February to June. These pests favour cattle but can also attack buffalo, deer, sheep, horses, and camels.

Victoria

The three tick species are present in Victoria, and the tick season runs from October to March. According to Australia-Wide First Aid, there has been a recent increase in tick bites on pets and humans. Melbourne, in particular, has become a hotspot for paralysis ticks due to the recent climate change.

Queensland

The University of Queensland revealed in recent research that spring is the peak time for paralysis ticks, which were believed to be most active during the summertime. The university also revealed that cases of paralysis ticks are becoming more common in cats and dogs all year round.

Research also mentioned that ticks are very sensitive to the weather, explaining why some years have more tick infestations than others. During dry and hot weather (January and February), tick eggs die, but mild and wet summers can increase hatching rates, leading to a worse tick season come springtime.

Western Australia

The most common tick species in Western Australia are ornate kangaroo ticks and the brown dog tick. These are found in bushland and long, grassy areas and are most active from September to April when the weather is warmer.

Tasmania

Ticks in Tasmania can cause Rickettsial infections, paralysis, and allergic reactions. The Department of Health, Tasmania, classifies Rickettsial infection as a notifiable disease. Therefore, people should avoid tick-infested areas and report any contact with ticks.

How Many Dogs Are Affected Annually?

Roughly 10,000 dogs are affected by ticks every year in Australia. Around 5% of these cases result in death, or around 500 dogs die from ticks.

Economic Impact of Tick Treatment Costs

According to PetSure’s claims data in 2022, the average cost of treating tick paralysis in dogs was $2,402, and the highest claim was $63,331. Given the high costs and potential threat to pets, preventing tick bites is crucial.

How to Identify Tick Infestations in Dogs: Recognising the Symptoms

Symptoms of ticks on dogs range from visible signs such as ticks attached to their skin to changes in behaviour, including weakness or discomfort. Recognising these symptoms early is important in preventing complications and ensuring your pet's comfort and health.

Physical Signs of Tick Presence:

How to check for ticks on dogs? Carefully examine your dog's body for signs of these parasites after every outdoor activity. Here are some tips:

• Inspect areas where ticks mostly attach, such as your dog's neck, ears, paws, head, and underbelly.
• Feel their bodies for lumps where ticks may have attached.
• Use your fingers to part their fur to check for ticks. You may also use a fine comb.
• Check for redness or irritation.
• Use a flashlight to check your pet's fur and skin, especially in dogs with dense or thick fur,

Behavioural Symptoms

Ticks can cause noticeable changes in behaviour, which usually indicates discomfort or illness. 

• Lethargy or looking unusually tired or unwilling to play, exercise, or eat.
• Muscle weakness or difficulty in standing or walking are common in tick paralysis.
• Loss of appetite or a sudden decrease in eating and drinking.
• Excessive biting or scratching of the skin where ticks may have attached.
• Restlessness or discomfort, including persistent whining, pacing, or changes in sleeping habits.

Signs of Tick-Borne Diseases

Tick-borne diseases cause discomfort and life-threatening complications. Recognising the symptoms of these diseases, such as tick paralysis or Lyme disease, is critical for quick diagnosis and treatment.

• Symptoms of tick paralysis include loss of movement, muscle weakness, especially in the hind legs, and difficulty breathing.
• Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, lameness, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Ehrlichiosis signs include weight loss, bleeding, and weakness.
• Anaplasmosis symptoms include vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.
• Babesiosis signs include pale gums, dark urine, and generalised weakness.
• Spotted fever group Rickettsiosis signs include fever, skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and neurological symptoms.

Effective Treatment Options for Dogs Infested with Ticks

Knowing how to remove a tick from a dog properly is the first step to treating tick bites. Here are additional measures.

Immediate Treatment at Home

Immediate care can help minimise complications and discomfort. Remember these strategies:

• Remove the tick safely using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin. Pull it straight; avoid twisting.
• Clean the bite area with antiseptic to prevent infection.
• Monitor for symptoms such as discomfort, behavioural changes, and weakness.
• Apply ointment to soothe the area and promote healing.
• Keep the tick for proper identification. Take the tick to your vet.
• Look for additional ticks.
• Consult your vet for worsening symptoms or if you're unsure about removing the tick.

When to Call a Vet

Watch out for the following signs that indicate your pet needs immediate medical attention.

• Breathing difficulties, including laboured breathing and rapid breathing
• Sudden loss of movement, especially in the hind legs
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe weakness or collapse
• Swollen bite area
• High temperature
• Poor appetite or reduction in drinking
• Seizures, confusion, or unsteady gat

Professional Veterinary Treatment Options

Professional dog tick treatment options include eliminating ticks, addressing signs and symptoms, and managing complications.

• Anti-tick injection to kill ticks and prevent future infestations.
• Anti-venom for tick paralysis to neutralise toxins.
• Hospitalisation in severe cases when dogs need oxygen support, intravenous fluids, or intensive care.
• Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.

Cost of Tick Treatment for Dogs

The average cost of tick paralysis treatment in dogs is around $2,402, but it can range from $900 to $10,000. Uncomplicated tick removal costs between $900 and $2,000, while severe cases can cost more than $10,000. 

Essential Tick Prevention Strategies: Protecting Your Dog from Infestations

Tick prevention for dogs is essential to protect them from the health risks of tick bites and infestations. Effective preventive measures reduce the chances of tick-borne diseases and keep pets healthy and comfortable.

Dog Accessories That Prevent Ticks

Ask your vet for dog tick prevention tips, and you'll get various recommendations for the best tick collars for dogs and other spot-on treatments.

• Tick collars: These collars contain flumerthrin or deltamethrin, providing long-lasting protection from ticks.
• Spot-on treatments: These are easy-to-apply treatments that instantly kill and repel ticks.
• Shampoos: These are specially formulated shampoos that eliminate and deter ticks.
• Protective clothing: Wearing lightweight vests or bandanas can help prevent tick bites.
• Tick sprays: These are quick and convenient to use before walks, especially in high-risk areas.

Grooming and Inspection Routines

Regular grooming and inspection after a walk or any outdoor activity can help keep your pet healthy and tick-free. Here are some tips:

• Brush your dog's fur daily using a fine-toothed brush to remove loose fur and check for hidden ticks.
• Check commonly affected areas such as the head, neck, ears, paws, and armpits.
• Feel the skin for any bumps.
• Part your pet's fur to examine their skin closely.
• Bathe them regularly using tick-repellent shampoo to kill and prevent ticks.
• Check pet behaviour, such as scratching and biting that may indicate the presence of ticks.

Environmental Changes

Reducing tick exposure also involves proactive management of your home and outdoor spaces. Remember these strategies for a tick-free environment.

• Keep grass short to remove places where ticks can hide.
• Trim shrubs and bushes to remove places that attract ticks.
• Remove leaf litter, such as fallen leaves or debris.
• Use gravel or wood chips in frequently used areas to create tick-free zones.
• Install fences around your property to keep wildlife, such as deer and small rodents, which can carry ticks, safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my dog has ticks?

You can tell if your pet has ticks by checking their skin for small, hard lumps around the neck, ear, and paws.

2. Can I remove a tick from my dog myself?

Yes, you can remove a tick from your pet, but do so carefully using a tick removal tool or a pair of tweezers.

3. How much does it cost to treat tick paralysis in dogs?

The cost to treat tick paralysis in dogs ranges from $500 to $1,000, depending on the severity of the condition.

4. Are tick collars effective at preventing ticks?

Yes, tick collars are effective in preventing ticks. They contain chemicals harmful to ticks and offer long-lasting protection for 6 to 8 months.

5. Can ticks on dogs be fatal?

Yes, ticks can be fatal, causing tick paralysis, which needs prompt medical action.

Preserve Your Pet's Health! Protect Your Dog From Ticks

Ticks pose a significant threat to your dog's health. But with the right knowledge, preventive actions, and treatment, you can keep your furry pal safe and healthy. Recognise symptoms early, learn how to safely remove ticks, and use effective prevention products to protect your dog from harm.