Paralysis tick survival guide: SEQ summer's leading pet risk

What is a paralysis tick?

It lives only within about 20 km of the east coast. Its neurotoxin gradually paralyses the host — starting in the hind legs and spreading to the diaphragm. South East Queensland and northern NSW are the highest-risk zones.

How to check

After every walk through grass or bush, run your hands backwards through the coat. Focus on:

• Inside and behind the ears
• Between toes and under paw pads
• Under the chin and around the neck
• Belly and groin

Unfed ticks are sesame-seed sized, pale brown. Engorged ones grow to fingernail size, grey-blue. Cats have thick fur — check from neck to tail base.

How to remove

1. Use a dedicated tick twister or hook — available from pet shops and vets for $5–$10.
2. Place it against the skin and twist gently (clockwise or anti-clockwise both work). It releases after 1–2 turns.
3. Do not squeeze with fingers, burn with a match, or suffocate with Vaseline — these make the tick regurgitate more toxin.
4. Keep the tick in a sealed bag and take it to the vet for identification.

Signs of paralysis

• Weak hind legs, unsteady walking
• Drooling, vomiting
• Coughing, laboured breathing
• Dilated or unequal pupils
• Lethargy, reluctance to move

Any of these — go to an emergency vet immediately.

Prevention

• Preventatives: Monthly topical (NexGard Spectra, Bravecto, Advantage Multi) or quarterly oral. Use the dog-specific or cat-specific product — dog products can be fatal to cats.
• No vaccine exists for paralysis ticks — prevention is medication + daily checks.
• Yard care: Keep grass short, clear leaf litter. Wild birds and possums carry ticks into your yard.

In Brisbane, check your pet every time you go out from September through January. It is the cheapest life-saving habit you can build.