How to Check Your Dog for Ticks Every Day | Pawssum

By Dr Sarah, vet at Pawssum Mobile Vets

If you're on Australia's east coast, a daily tick check is a simple task that can make all the difference in protecting your dog or cat. These tiny parasites can make pets very sick very quickly, and a few minutes of checking each day gives you the best chance of finding a tick before it causes harm.

"They're very small and easy to miss," says Dr Sarah. "Don't wait and see what happens. Tick paralysis can become very serious very quickly."

This guide shows you how to check your dog for ticks, the spots where ticks like to hide, and what to do if you find one.

Why a daily tick check matters

The paralysis tick is found on the eastern seaboard of Australia, from North Queensland down to Victoria. In the north they're around all year. Further south, tick season typically runs from spring to late autumn.

Ticks begin releasing their toxin a few days after attaching to a host, and signs of paralysis usually appear 3 to 5 days after attachment. That gives you a window, and a daily check gives you the best chance of finding a tick before it does significant harm.

Paralysis ticks can be found on bandicoots, and will turn up in suburban gardens, as well as in bushland or parks, meaning a pet that never leaves the backyard can still pick one up. RSPCA Australia recommends that you search your pet at least once a day, even if you're using a tick prevention product.

How to check your dog for ticks, step by step

Pick a quiet time, such as after a meal when your pet is laid back, and take off their collar so you can check underneath it.

Use your fingertips, not your eyes

Ticks are sometimes felt before they're seen, and you should use your fingertips to run through the fur, applying gentle pressure to feel the skin underneath. You're looking for small lumps, typically less than a centimetre across. If you feel a bump, part the fur and take a close look.

Work from nose to tail

Start at the nose and work backwards, in the same order, each time, to make sure you don't miss anything. The majority of paralysis ticks are found forward of the front legs, so spend extra time checking the face, neck and ears.

The spots ticks like to hide

• Around the face and forehead
• Inside and behind the ears, and in the ear folds
• Under the collar and round the neck
• Under the front legs and around the chest
• Between the toes
• Around the groin, belly and under the tail

For cats, the head and neck should be given the most attention.

Make it easier with long or thick coats

Long-haired pets are much harder to check, and it's a good idea to have their coats kept short during tick season to make ticks easier to feel and see.

Early signs of tick paralysis to watch for

Sometimes a tick can be missed, so knowing the early signs of tick paralysis can help. "The first signs can be wobbliness, changes in breathing, vomiting, or a bark that sounds different," says Dr Sarah.

Other signs include:

• Weakness or wobbliness in the back legs
• A change in the sound of a bark or meow
• Gagging, retching or coughing
• Faster, harder or noisier breathing, including grunting
• Drooling more than normal
• Not wanting to eat

Signs tend to escalate rapidly, over the next day or two, and should be treated as a matter of urgency even if you haven't detected a tick. Our guide to paralysis ticks provides the whole list of signs and what treatment entails.

What to do if you find a tick

Remove the tick immediately. Use a tick remover, grab the tick at the head where it is attached to the skin, and avoid squeezing the body of the tick.

Place the tick in a sealed bag or container so it can be identified by your vet, and continue to check for more ticks, as there may be others.

If your pet is displaying any signs of being unwell, call a vet immediately. While you wait, keep your pet calm, quiet and at a comfortable temperature, and avoid giving food or water. Pets with tick paralysis can't protect their airway well when they swallow. Even if your pet appears to be fine, it's important to keep a close eye on them over the next 24 to 48 hours as signs can appear or become worse after the tick has been removed.

Tick prevention is your first line of defence

Daily checks and prevention work hand in hand. Be sure to keep your pet up to date with a tick prevention product recommended by your vet, and to give the product to your pet on time, every time. No product is guaranteed to be 100 per cent effective, which is why the daily check is a must.

Never use a dog tick product on a cat. Some dog tick products are highly toxic to cats, and can kill them. If you're unsure of which product suits your pet, speak to your vet at their next check-up.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I check my dog for ticks?

At least once a day, and every time they've been somewhere ticks live. RSPCA Australia recommends a daily search even if your pet is on tick prevention.

What does a paralysis tick feel like?

It feels like a small, firm lump on the skin, usually less than a centimetre across. Once it has fed, it swells and turns a blueish to grey colour.

Can my pet get tick paralysis after I remove the tick?

Yes. Signs can still appear or become worse after the tick is removed. Keep a close eye on your pet and call a vet if anything changes.

Do indoor cats need tick checks?

Yes, if they spend any time outside, even in the backyard. Ticks will turn up in suburban gardens, not just the bush.

Worried about a tick? We can come to you

Pawssum's mobile vets will come to you 7 days a week, from 6am to 11pm. If your pet appears unwell and you've found a tick, please contact Pawssum Mobile Vets urgently on 1300 343 580. For tick prevention advice or a check-up, you can book a home visit at a time that suits you.