Urgent warning as vets predict ‘severe’ tick season

Tick season is underway, and veterinary clinics in paralysis tick areas are already busy with heartbreaking cases of tick paralysis, which can result in a pet’s death. 
This season is predicted to be severe, and with this in mind, taking proactive measures to protect your beloved pet is crucial.
Prevention is essential; preventative treatment plus regular tick searches can make all the difference in catching these dangerous parasites before they cause serious harm.
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Ticks can be tricky to find, especially on long-haired dogs. They can attach themselves anywhere on your pet’s body, but they are most often found on the head or neck area, so start your search here.
Pay close attention to:
• Head and ears: Check around the ears, under the collar and in the skin folds around the face and muzzle. Look inside their lips and the corners of their eyes.
• Neck and chest: Ticks frequently latch onto these areas, especially around the collar line. Take the collar off when doing a check.
• Legs and paws: Examine between the toes, under the armpits and along the legs.
• Tail and groin area: Don’t forget to check under the tail, around the anus, and in the groin area.
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To thoroughly check, run your fingers through your pet’s fur right down to the skin. Apply gentle pressure to feel for any small, hard bumps.
You may not always see the tick, so touch is recommended. If you feel a bump, part the fur and examine closely. Nipples and warts are often confused with ticks.
Take your time and be methodical. Start at one end of your pet and work your way across the body, ensuring no area is left unchecked. 
1. Stay calm and remove the tick as a matter of urgency. Use gloves and a tick removal tool or tweezers.
2. Ticks can burrow into your pet’s skin. Using the tweezers or tick removal tool, grasp the tick as close to your pet’s skin as possible. 
3. Pull the tick out with steady, even pressure without separating the head from the body. Avoid squeezing the tick, as this can cause more toxin to be injected into your pet.
Tick removal tools are available at most pet stores; they make it easy and allow you to remove it entirely. 
If you can’t remove the tick yourself, head straight to your vet.
If you find a tick, search the rest of your pet’s body as there will often be more than one tick attached.
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Closely monitor your pet for any sign of tick paralysis, such as weakness, wobbliness, or difficulty breathing. 
If any symptoms develop, contact your vet immediately as pets may start showing signs even after the tick is removed.
If they show any signs, please treat it as a medical emergency as pets may deteriorate quickly, even if the tick has been removed as the toxin is already in their system.
When heading to your vet, withhold all food and water and keep your pet calm and cool.
Regular tick checks are one of the best defenses against tick paralysis. By being vigilant and thorough, you can help ensure your pet stays safe this tick season. Remember, if you’re ever in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
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