The most common ticks infesting dogs in Australia are the paralysis tick, the brown dog tick, and the bush tick.
The paralysis tick lxodes holocyclus is one of the most dangerous parasites that can affect your pet. Tick paralysis is estimated to affect tens of thousands of dogs and cats per year in Australia, with many animals dying. The greatest risk is associated with high numbers of adult ticks in spring and summer, but disease can be seen throughout the year. Paralysis ticks are not found locally, but if you plan to travel with your pet on the east coast of Australia, from northern Queensland to Victoria, you will need to have your pet on tick prevention.
Brown dog ticks and bush ticks do not cause tick paralysis, but they can cause skin irritation and also transmit other important diseases. Canine ehrlichiosis is becoming a significant disease affecting dogs in locations where brown dog ticks are located. It is caused by a bacteria called Ehrlichia canis which is transmitted to the dog from an infected tick. Unfortunately this disease can be fatal for many dogs, or become a life-long infection. Affected areas include northern WA, NT, Qld and the APY lands of SA. If you plan on travelling with your dog to these locations, your dog will need specific tick products.
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