Why it’s vital to protect your puppy with preventative tick treatments
Ticks aren’t just irritating for you and your puppy, they can also be dangerous to your pet’s health and, in extreme cases, lethal. Dogs and puppies are highly susceptible to tick-borne illnesses, so it’s crucial to keep them protected all year round. Prevention is always better than cure with ticks and other parasites, so we recommend giving your puppy regular tick treatments to keep them safe.
Why are ticks harmful to puppies?
Ticks carry harmful diseases and can infect your pets. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to tick-borne illnesses because they are smaller with developing organs and immune systems and they may find it harder to fight off tick-borne diseases.
What types of ticks affect puppies in Australia?
There are three common species of tick that can infest puppies and dogs in Australia.
- Paralysis ticks – The most dangerous parasites affecting dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and other animals, paralysis ticks can be found along Australia’s eastern seaboard from Far North Queensland to Victoria. These ticks produce a harmful toxin which can lead to tick poisoning, or tick paralysis, in puppies and other household pets. Tick paralysis can cause loss of limb function, laboured breathing, vomiting and other serious symptoms.
- Brown dog ticks – Brown dog ticks have recently been shown to cause a potentially fatal disease called brown tick disease. The brown tick can be found throughout Australia while they don’t cause paralysis like paralysis ticks, they are known to cause blood-loss related anemia in extreme cases as well as skin irritation.
How can I tell if my puppy has a tick-borne illness?
There are several tell-tale signs that your puppy may have tick paralysis. You may notice:
- A loss of balance and coordination, particularly in its hind legs
- Difficulty vocalising or a noticeable difference in barking
- Retching, gagging or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing or rapid panting
- Apathy, lethargy or a lack of energy
If you notice any of these symptoms, check your dog for ticks and remove any present parasites with tweezers. If your puppy has severe symptoms take them to a vet immediately for treatment.
Is tick control for puppies expensive?
Keeping your puppy or dog protected from harmful ticks costs about $300 to $400 per year, or the equivalent of around $1 per day.
Many pet owners choose to take a risk and not treat their puppies for ticks but this gamble can have serious consequences. Not only can tick-borne illnesses cause distress and harm to your pet, they can also lead to expensive veterinary care which negates the savings by not treating your puppy in the first place.
What is the best tick treatment for puppies?
The best tick treatment for puppies is a proactive approach. A puppy tick shampoo, topical tick treatment or tick spray applied as prescribed will keep your puppy safeguarded against potentially fatal ticks.
Discover our full range of Australian-made tick treatments for puppies and find a retailer near you
