Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Magazine Summer 2022..

It is important to be aware of Paralysis Ticks Pets on the Coast

T ick paralysis is one of the most common preventable causes of death in dogs and cats. Paralysis ticks are dangerous parasites that can attach to an animal and consume blood from them. As they drain the blood, they secrete a toxin which affects the animal’s nervous system. The toxin causes serious illness and is potentially fatal. Once on the animal, the tick finds a site of attachment where it becomes deeply and firmly embedded in the skin. When an adult tick feeds on blood, it increases in size dramatically. When a tick attaches to the skin, the area becomes red and a raised thickening or “crater” may appear. A crater is also considered evidence of a prior tick attachment. How can I protect my pets from the paralysis tick? 1. Avoid the tick habitat: during the tick season, don’t take your pet walking in bush areas or scrub. Keep lawns and shrubs short and remove compost material from backyards. 2. Apply tick control products which are safe and suitable for your pet. *Safety warning* – never apply dog tick products to cats as some dog products can kill cats, as there are safe options available for cats. 3. Search your pet for ticks every day: the most essential preventative measure is a thorough search of your pet’s skin and coat at least once a day even with tick control products, and purchase a tick twister from your vet to keep handy for removal. 4. Be aware of the symptoms of tick paralysis: knowing the symptoms will mean that you can identify a tick paralysis problem as early as possible and this improves your pets chances of survival as veterinary treatment can be given faster. If any symptoms/signs of tick paralysis are seen or a tick or tick crater is seen, stay calm and keep your pet calm. While staying calm, do a quick tick search and remove any ticks found then contact your veterinarian immediately. If it’s after hours, contact a 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital. Do not wait until the morning.

How do I search my pet? Conduct regular searches of your pet to ensure they are tick free. This is particularly important after spending time outside. 1. Use your fingertips to feel through the animal’s coat. Ticks or tick craters can be felt as lumps on the skin’s surface. 2. Most ticks are found forward of the front legs, especially on the face, neck and ears. However, it is very important to search your entire pet. 3. Start at your pet’s nose and slowly examine the face, forehead and ears (outer and inner surface of the ear flap). Also search the eyes and lips and the skin/ fur around the eyes and lips. Carefully examine all skin folds. 4. Remove collars and search the neck area thoroughly including the skin folds of the neck. 5. Search the shoulder area and then down the shoulders to the front legs. Remember to check between each toe and under surface of the front feet. Don’t forget to check under the ‘armpits’. 6. Examine the chest area, all along the back, sides, belly, groin area, around the tail and anus and the thighs, back legs, in between the back-leg toes and feet (including the under surface). Common signs can include: • A change in the sound of the bark or voice • Gagging/retching • Regurgitation or vomiting (sometimes with froth) • Breathing changes – difficulty breathing often with a characteristic grunting sound • Wobbliness in the back legs which

worsens to paralysis and an inability to stand (sometimes owners describe it as ‘my dog has gone in the back legs’) • Excessive salivation/drooling (sometimes frothing around the mouth area) • Coughing (sometimes it is a moist cough) • Not eating • Progressive paralysis to include the forelegs • Other abnormal behaviour

t h e h o me f o r p et s

Christmas Catalogue OUT NOW ! BATEAU BAY Click & Collect available online www.petsdomain.com.au

RRP $17 99

RRP $26 99

+ More pawsome specials in-store! until 24 th December 2022

Shop 104, Bateau Bay Square, 12 Central Coast Highway, Bateau Bay, NSW

27 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Summer 2022

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker