3 Ticks Gold Coasters Should Watch For

A bit about Australian ticks

There are 73 different types of ticks in Australia and depending on where you are, you will see different types.

The Gold Coast has been named a tick hotspot and the three most common types of ticks found are:

• Paralysis ticks

• Cattle ticks

• Brown dog ticks

Despite popular belief, ticks aren’t actually insects - like spiders, they’re arachnids. 

They feed on blood and can latch onto hosts for days before dropping off or being noticed. To find their host, ticks wait in tall grasses or bushes for passing animals and latch on because they can’t jump or fly.

Ticks can carry diseases. You should contact your closest veterinary surgery for tips on vaccinations, health, and information on preventative measures.

Where are ticks found?

Ticks don’t jump or fly at all, they wait for passing animals in tall grasses or on plants. Because of that, ticks are often found in wooded or grassy areas. 

On the Gold Coast, you would likely find ticks at local parks or reserves but they can hang around in backyards or even at the beach.

You can reduce the risk of ticks around your home by:

• Removing yard waste piles

• Keeping your grass short

• Keeping shrubs and hedges trimmed

How to tell if your pet has a tick

You can check your pets for ticks by gently running your fingers along your pet’s fur, checking for small lumps/bumps and abnormalities. If you feel something beneath the fur but can’t quite see anything, part the fur to get a better look. 

If you feel a small bump and see a red spot, that might have been caused by a tick bite. Tick bites can even look similar to a mosquito bite and redness should go away after a few days unless the wound gets infected.

If you do find a tick or evidence that a tick may have been attached, there’s a chance that there could be more - so check thoroughly. 

In hotter climates and seasons, you should check your pets more often - even once a day. That’s because ticks are more prevalent in these times and are more actively breeding. 

If you find a tick it is always best to call the clinic for advice regarding how to remove the tick and whether your pet needs to be checked out, give us a call on (07) 5593 8395or make an appointment online.

Tick bites can get infected

If your pet has an abnormal wound that isn’t going away, it’s always a good idea to contact your vet. It could be an infected wound or something more serious and you should have it checked to determine if treatment is necessary. 

Symptoms of a tick bite infection include:

• Redness around the affected area

• Oozing

• Itchiness

Your pet might be incessantly licking or scratching the area which is a sign that it’s agitating them.

If you think your pet might have an infected wound, you should contact us as soon as you can on (07) 5593 8395or make an appointment online.

Paralysis ticks

One of the three common Australian and Gold Coast ticks is also one of the deadliest - the paralysis tick.

Like others, the paralysis tick attaches itself to a host and feeds, however, it injects a toxin as it does so. 

This toxin can cause tick paralysis which, left untreated, can cause respiratory/heart failure and eventually death. 

Pets that are victims of tick paralysis can show symptoms including:

• Lethargy/weakness (including difficulty standing and walking)

• Vomiting and gagging

• Heavy and rapid breathing

• Coughing

• Excessive salivation

If your pet is showing symptoms of tick paralysis, contact us immediately on (07) 5593 8395 or find our location here.

And if it’s after-hours, find your nearest emergency vet.

Tick prevention

Tick season is currently in full swing and it is very important to make sure your pet is up to date with its preventative treatments and vaccinations.

And while pet shops and supermarket shelves are filled with products that read tick prevention, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for the best preventions and treatments for your pet.

Reedy Creek Vet is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm and Saturdays from 8 am till midday. 

Call (07) 5593 8395 or book your appointment online.