Caring for working dogs

4 Reasons to See a Vet Right Away if Your Dog is Bitten by a Paralysis Tick

25 January 2017

Jose Reid

One of the most common serious problems faced by vets in Australia is a dog bitten by a paralysis tick. As their name implies, these ticks possess a powerful neurotoxin that is released into the host's bloodstream as they feed. Though both cats and dogs can be affected, dogs typically experience stronger symptoms. If your dog has been bitten by a paralysis tick, or even if you think they might have been, here are just four reasons you need to take them to the vet as soon as possible.

1. Paralysis Tick Bites Can Be Fatal

First and foremost, pet-owners need to understand just how serious a paralysis tick bite can be. Many simply consider ticks a nuisance, but the neurotoxin released by the paralysis tick can actually be fatal. At first, your dog might just seem a little weak or unsteady, especially in their rear legs. This might not seem like a big deal, but the symptoms can get worse. Eventually, your dog may suffer total paralysis, which can lead to respiratory arrest and death if the diaphragm is affected. Treatment is most effective when applied immediately, son don't delay your trip to an emergency vet.

2. Paralysis Tick Bites Can Be Serious After the Tick is Removed

If you're grooming your dog and you see a tick, you might think that your pooch is out of the woods as soon as that tick has been removed. Unfortunately, this is not the case at all. Most ticks will leave a residue of their neurotoxin poison beneath the skin. Even though you think the problem has been dealt with, that toxin will be slowly absorbed over the next few days.

3. Paralysis Tick Bites Cause Unpleasant Side Effects

Even if your dog doesn't suffer from any serious complications, they could still experience extremely unpleasant ones. Dogs can become stressed when they feel weaker than normal, and further side effects they may have to endure include vomiting, excessive salivation, and laboured breathing. To ensure your dog doesn't have to go through those symptoms, take them to a vet right away.

4. Paralysis Tick Bites Can Indicate Other Bites Across the Body

A female paralysis tick can lay thousands of eggs, so it's far from uncommon to find that it isn't just one tick that has managed to latch onto your dog. Many owners will find one tick and then assume that they are all gone. Even if they conduct a search, it can be hard for inexperienced people to look through all the nooks and crannies where ticks like to hide. Your vet will be able to conduct a thorough examination to make sure that every last paralysis tick has vacated the canine premises.

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