Find and remove tick before it paralyzes pet

With the onset of warmer weather comes the risk that your pets may pick up ticks while they are out and about enjoying their daily exercise. Ticks are also commonly picked up whilst exploring bushland and grassy areas as well. 

You should have your pet regularly checked for ticks, especially if you live in an area where ticks are common. Ticks cause a lot of physical damage to your pet which can result in significant vet bills, so it is important to learn how to remove them from your pets quickly and safely.

While there are a few different types of ticks that can affect animals, one is known for causing paralysis and even death in dogs called the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus). Thankfully getting rid of a tick before it has a chance to inject its toxin into an animal isn't too hard, but removal must be done quickly otherwise it could lead to long-term effects on your pet's health.

What to Do If a Tick Is Found? 

Not all ticks are as dangerous as the paralysis tick, however, if your pet is bitten by one it is incredibly important to remove the tick quickly. Ticks feed off blood and are a parasite, attaching to an animal and sucking their blood. This can result in an increase in their host's body temperature, which could potentially lead to death in some animals. The tick can also transmit diseases including Lyme disease, which may not present any symptoms in an animal but can affect humans.

How to Remove a Tick? 

Using a pair of tweezers, gently grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull the tick away from the skin, keeping it as intact as possible. A tick's mouthparts can detach and remain lodged in the skin, so it is important to remove these too. It may be easier to take your animal to the vet to have the tick removed, especially in the case of larger animals. It is also important to clean the bite site with antiseptic to prevent infection.

Signs and Symptoms of Tick  

The most common clinical signs that we see are:

1)  A general unwell appearance e.g. (lethargy, lethargy, weakness, and a slow heart rate). 

2) The animal may stagger or have a loss of coordination. 

3) They may have difficulty walking and appear uncoordinated. 

4) They may appear stiff while laying down. 

5) A decrease in appetite. 

6) A fever may develop. 

Treatment for tick paralysis involves the following:

1) Provide supportive care e.g. (fluids, pain relief, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics). 

2) If the pet becomes paralyzed, the animal should be placed on a drip to rehydrate and regain its blood pressure. 

3) Usually the paralysis will resolve in 7-10 days. 

4) During this time, the tick should be removed when it falls off. 

5) If the pet still appears unwell after this time, it should be seen by a veterinarian. 

6) The paralysis tick can transmit a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which can cause an infection called Lyme Disease. Some dogs can show signs of kidney damage due to this infection. 

7) Ticks can also transmit another bacteria called Ehrlichia canis, which can be fatal to dogs.  

Conclusion

Early removal of a tick from your pet is important to decrease the risk of infection and other complications.  If you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a tick, contact your veterinarian for an appointment as soon as possible.