Unknown Facts to Know about Ticks

Australia is a vast island continent with beautiful territories, but it poses no less danger of ticks and the threat of paralysis ticks to pets. It is not only the warmer months, but also in the colder months that your pets are not free from the risk of tick infestations. 

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Pet parents are not in ignorance about the ticks but still are not known about some facts about ticks. So, let us find what are ticks? 

  • Ticks are relatively close enough to species of spiders than they are to fleas.
  • These parasites feed on blood of the animal in order to grow, develop, reproduce and sustain.
  • They have four stages life cycle – egg, larva, nymph and adult. Except egg all stages feed on animal’s blood.
  • Adult ticks are most active and mostly found in abundance during spring and summer but can also be found all year round, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
  • Ticks are most commonly found in dense bush and long grass, pet beds and kennels.
  • Ticks hurt the animals and damage the skin when they bite creating a wound liable for secondary diseases.

Why ticks are dangerous?

Ticks feed on animal’s blood. When a pet is heavily infested with ticks, he may suffer from anemia and other severe skin conditions. Some species of ticks inject a neurotoxin into the bloodstream when they are feeding on the blood of their host. These toxins when react with blood slowly causes paralysis of muscles throughout the body. Some ticks can transmit blood-borne diseases when they bite the pets.

In order to ward off ill effects of ticks, it’s crucial to follow a range of protective measure. Taking preventive steps can help in protecting your pets from the harmful tick infestations.

Protecting Pets from Tick Infestations

These tips will help protect your pet from tick paralysis.

  • Treat your dog or cat regularly with monthly tick preventives.
  • Select a product that not only kills, but also repels paralysis ticks.
  • Use tick treatments and preventives as directed by your vet.
  • Ensure to thoroughly check and look for ticks on your dog after bush walking or visiting the beach.
  • For heavy brown dog tick infestations, environmental treatment with an insecticidal spray will be necessary.
  • It is crucial to check your pet at least once a day for ticks by running your fingers through your pet’s coat – common areas for ticks to attach are around the head and neck, chest, mouth and gums, and between their toes.

In a nutshell, ticks though small pests are the dangerous creatures that can make your pet sick. Therefore, it is essential that whatever the season is, it is take steps to treat your dog/cat with tick control products.