Aussies are warned as ‘severe’ tick season lies ahead
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As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, Aussies start to think about the joys of spending more time outdoors.
But with the warmer weather comes a less welcome aspect of the Aussie summer: tick season. This year, experts are sounding the alarm for pet owners to be extra vigilant as conditions are ripe for a particularly severe tick season.
Ticks, especially the notorious Australian paralysis tick, pose a significant threat to our beloved pets.
These tiny but dangerous parasites thrive in warm and moist environments, and with the recent weather patterns, they're expected to be out in force.
Pet Insurance Australia has highlighted that this spring and summer could see ‘one of the most severe tick seasons in recent memory’.
‘Paralysis ticks can be fatal if left untreated,’ Nadia Crighton, the spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia, said.
Vets across Sydney have already reported a higher number of tick paralysis cases than last year, with coastal and bushland areas such as the Blue Mountains, Terrey Hills, and Turramurra being particularly affected.
The Northern Beaches are also a hotspot for these dangerous pests during the springtime.
‘Now is the time for pet owners to take action and ensure their pets are safe,’ Crighton added.
‘Tick conditions are expected to increase drastically over the next few months.’
The financial cost of treating tick paralysis can be staggering, with pet owners potentially facing bills up to $24,000 for dogs and $5,000 for cats in severe cases, according to data from PetSure.
Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia advises pet owners to invest in preventative measures such as tick collars, spot-on treatments, and chewable tablets.
These products are designed to repel ticks or kill them before they can cause harm. It's also crucial to avoid high-risk areas like dense bushland and tall grass where ticks are commonly found.
But even with these preventative measures, it's essential to check your pets daily for ticks. A thorough inspection after any outdoor activity is a must, as early detection can make all the difference.
Pay special attention to the head, neck, ears, and under the collar, as ticks tend to gravitate towards these areas.
‘Tick prevention is not just an option—it's necessary during this critical season. We urge all pet owners to act before it's too late,’ she said.
Have you found effective ways to protect your pets? Share your stories in the comments below!
But with the warmer weather comes a less welcome aspect of the Aussie summer: tick season. This year, experts are sounding the alarm for pet owners to be extra vigilant as conditions are ripe for a particularly severe tick season.
Ticks, especially the notorious Australian paralysis tick, pose a significant threat to our beloved pets.
These tiny but dangerous parasites thrive in warm and moist environments, and with the recent weather patterns, they're expected to be out in force.
Pet owners were warned as 'severe' tick season approaches. Credit: Shutterstock
Pet Insurance Australia has highlighted that this spring and summer could see ‘one of the most severe tick seasons in recent memory’.
‘Paralysis ticks can be fatal if left untreated,’ Nadia Crighton, the spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia, said.
Vets across Sydney have already reported a higher number of tick paralysis cases than last year, with coastal and bushland areas such as the Blue Mountains, Terrey Hills, and Turramurra being particularly affected.
The Northern Beaches are also a hotspot for these dangerous pests during the springtime.
‘Now is the time for pet owners to take action and ensure their pets are safe,’ Crighton added.
‘Tick conditions are expected to increase drastically over the next few months.’
The financial cost of treating tick paralysis can be staggering, with pet owners potentially facing bills up to $24,000 for dogs and $5,000 for cats in severe cases, according to data from PetSure.
Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia advises pet owners to invest in preventative measures such as tick collars, spot-on treatments, and chewable tablets.
These products are designed to repel ticks or kill them before they can cause harm. It's also crucial to avoid high-risk areas like dense bushland and tall grass where ticks are commonly found.
But even with these preventative measures, it's essential to check your pets daily for ticks. A thorough inspection after any outdoor activity is a must, as early detection can make all the difference.
Pay special attention to the head, neck, ears, and under the collar, as ticks tend to gravitate towards these areas.
‘Tick prevention is not just an option—it's necessary during this critical season. We urge all pet owners to act before it's too late,’ she said.
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