As warm weather approaches and tick season in Australia becomes a greater concern, it’s essential for pet owners to stay vigilant. Ticks can pose serious risks to dogs and cats, ranging from irritation and infection to life-threatening paralysis. Knowing how to conduct a proper tick check at home is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your pet’s health.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know—where ticks hide, how to check safely, what to do if you find one, and how to reduce the risk of tick encounters in the first place.
Table of Contents
Why Tick Checks Matter
Ticks aren’t just a nuisance; they can transmit dangerous toxins and diseases. In Australia, paralysis ticks are especially concerning, as they can cause severe illness or even be fatal if not treated promptly. Because ticks are small and often difficult to spot, regular checks help you catch them early—long before symptoms appear.
When to Check Your Pet
You should check your dog or cat for ticks:
- Daily during warmer months
- After bushwalks, camping trips, or visits to grassy or coastal areas
- Any time your pet has been in long grass, scrub, or thick vegetation
- If your pet shows unusual behaviour, such as wobbliness, vomiting, coughing, or excessive scratching
Even indoor cats should be checked if ticks are common in your area, as ticks can be brought inside on clothing, shoes, or other pets.
Where Ticks Like to Hide
Ticks prefer warm, sheltered areas on your pet’s body. When performing a full check, pay close attention to:
- The head, muzzle, lips, and ears
- Under the collar
- The neck and shoulders
- Between the toes
- Under the armpits and groin
- Around the tail base and under the tail
- Along the belly and chest
Move slowly and methodically. A tick can be as small as a pinhead before it engorges, so take your time and use both your eyes and fingertips.
How to Perform a Step-by-Step Tick Check
1. Choose a comfortable spot
Place your pet in a well-lit area and keep them calm with treats and gentle pats.
2. Use your fingertips
Massage your pet’s skin using small circular motions. You’re feeling for small lumps that don’t belong—ticks feel like tiny bumps attached to the skin.
3. Part the fur
Ticks can be difficult to see, especially on long-haired breeds. Use your fingers or a fine-tooth comb to separate the hair as you examine each section.
4. Work in a pattern
Start at the nose and work backward along the body to ensure you cover every area. Don’t forget hidden spots like inside the ears and between the toes.
5. Use a tick removal tool for tricky areas
A magnifying glass and tick tool can help you confirm and safely remove any that are present.
What to Do If You Find a Tick
Stay calm—removal is straightforward if done properly.
1. Use a tick remover or fine-tipped tweezers
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
2. Pull upwards with steady pressure
Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick’s body, as this can cause it to release additional toxins.
3. Check the bite site
Ensure the mouthparts have been removed. Clean the area with mild antiseptic.
4. Monitor your pet closely
Even after removal, watch for signs of tick paralysis or illness over the next 24–48 hours.
5. Seek veterinary support if your pet shows any symptoms
Wobbliness, vomiting, breathing changes, lethargy, or difficulty swallowing warrant immediate professional care.
How to Prevent Tick Problems
While tick checks are vital, prevention offers added protection. Effective strategies include:
- Using vet-recommended tick preventatives
- Keeping your lawn trimmed and garden tidy
- Avoiding known tick-dense environments during peak seasons
- Brushing your pet after outdoor play
- Regularly washing bedding and collars
If you live in or travel through high-risk areas, daily checks are non-negotiable.
Ticks may be tiny, but the dangers they pose are significant
With regular checks, proper technique, and preventative measures, you can dramatically reduce the risk to your dog or cat. Being proactive—especially during tick season—helps ensure your furry companion stays safe, healthy, and happy year-round.
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