Paralysis Ticks in Queensland: Protect Your Pet Year-Round

Understanding Paralysis Ticks

Paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) are a serious threat to pets along Australia’s east coast, especially Queensland. These ticks release a potent neurotoxin that can swiftly affect muscles and nerves, causing weakness or paralysis. Coastal and northern Queensland’s warm and humid climate means risk isn’t limited to summer—cases can occur almost any time of year.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Early detection is essential. Common signs include:

• Weakness in hind legs: often starting as a wobble and progressing.
• Altered vocalisations: such as hoarse barking or meowing.
• Difficult or noisy breathing: due to respiratory muscle paralysis.
• Excessive drooling or gagging: indicating throat/esophageal impacts.
• Pale or bluish gums: a critical sign of oxygen deprivation.

Immediate First Aid Steps

1. Seek veterinary care immediately—tick paralysis escalates quickly.
2. Follow vet advice for tick removal: Many local vet bodies recommend immobilizing or killing the tick first to prevent toxin release. Then use a tick removal tool or suitable method as directed by your vet.
3. Transport your pet to a clinic ASAP: treatment may include anti-toxin, oxygen, and intensive support.

Tick Season & Year-Round Vigilance

Although peak tick activity typically runs from November to February, Queensland’s climate can support tick activity nearly year-round—especially in subtropical and coastal areas. This makes daily prevention and checks indispensable, regardless of the month.

Prevention Tips for Pet Owners

• Year-round preventative treatments are vital.
• Inspect your pet daily, particularly after time spent outdoors or in foliage. Don't forget to check tricky places like in and around ears and nose as well as armpits, leg creases, groin and under the tail.
• Maintain tidy yards, and regularly wash pet beds and indoor surfaces.
• Choose effective products — oral chews, topicals, collars, and spot-ons each offer varying protection.

Products Available at Pet Savers

At Petsavers we have the full combination of pet protection options — compare and explore the solutions below. Each option is available in a range of sizes too, so don’t forget to purchase the correct item for your specific dog's weight.

Quick Product Guide

• Simparica
  A convenient monthly oral chew that tackles ticks and fleas. Or choose Simparica 'TRIO' to cover ticks, fleas AND also heartworm, and intestinal worms.
  Shop Simparica
• Bravecto Chew
  Provides up to 12 weeks of tick and flea protection per chew—ideal if you prefer less frequent dosing while still staying vigilant.
  Shop Bravecto
• NexGard
  A fast-acting monthly chew focused on ticks and fleas. Or choose Nexgard ‘SPECTRA’ for a full comprehensive protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms.
  Shop NexGard
• Advantix
  A topical treatment that repels and kills ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and even biting flies.
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• Kiltix Collar
  Collar-based protection, particularly effective during bush outings and hikes when ticks lurk in vegetation.
  Shop Kiltix Collar
• Seresto Collar
  Worn like a collar, it delivers continuous tick and flea protection for up to eight months—perfect for long-term, hands-free care.
  Shop Seresto Collar

Tick Sprays & Rinses

For added peace of mind, many vets recommend combining your regular tick prevention with a topical tick spray or rinse. These treatments provide an extra layer of defense—perfect for pets who spend time outdoors in high-risk areas. Explore options like Frontline Spray and Tick Rinses to keep your pet safe and protected.

Why These Products Work Together

Consider pairing systemic oral chews with either a topically applied treatment or a collar during high-risk periods to layer protection. Always consult your vet to optimize the combination based on your pet’s lifestyle, age, and health.