Peak tick season looms in wake of Tick Awareness Month

Whilst deadly paralysis ticks are not common in Griffith and surrounding suburbs, the next few weeks are the highest risk period for paralysis ticks, making it more important than ever to be compliant with tick control.

Veterinarian of 46 years, Dr Kim Martel from Yoogali Veterinary Centre said animal owners should especially be mindful of ticks when travelling with their pets to coastal regions.

"Anywhere east of the Great Dividing Range poses a significantly higher risk to animals of obtaining paralysis ticks" Dr Martel said.

"These regions pose a big risk to the health of our pets."

An emerging bacterial disease that can cause serious illness and death by infecting a common brown tick, who then can latch on to an unsuspecting animal is also something to watch out for says Dr Martel.

"Whilst we don't have any paralysis ticks in this region, we do have brown ticks and if infected with this disease, they could pass it on to their host" Dr Martel said.

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"We definently don't want Ehrlichiosis to be spread around the Riverina, the impact on canine health would be severe."

Dr Martel suggests, especially after travel to coastal regions, to regularly check your pets body for ticks as when they are small and symptoms have yet to show, can easily be missed.

"Ticks engorge themselves on blood which makes them easier to find however sometimes that can be too late for a pet owner to take preventative action" Dr Martel said.

"Make sure to use tick prevention on your pets such as Bravecto or NexGard, there have been lots of innovations in this field in recent years and this will ensure your pets are kept safe and healthy."

This Tick Prevention Month, make sure to check your furry friends coats regularly, especially after travel and keep up to date with all tick prevention treatments.

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