Pet owners urged to use preventative treatments to protect their pets
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has advised that with higher than average rainfall, this is proving to be one of the worst tick seasons on record.
The season started early and has been widespread. Whilst the mild winter and wet conditions have been ideal for ticks this year, the previous years of drought have hindered laboratories' ability to produce enough antivenom to cope with the onslaught of ticks this year.
The antivenom is a natural product and not synthetic, so the process to produce it is very involved and time consuming. The antivenom can only be made during tick season and due to the dry conditions last year, there was not enough stock to cope with the demands of the season this year.
This has resulted in a shortage of antivenom, with veterinary wholesale distribution companies reporting that the antivenom is currently out of stock.
A recent survey* has shown that around 30 percent of pet owners are unaware of paralysis ticks and the risks they pose to their pets.
If you are in an area where paralysis ticks are found, use preventative treatments, available from your vet, during tick season to make sure that their dogs don't get bitten by ticks.
"The holiday season is approaching and many pet owners will be travelling to coastal regions with their pets where paralysis ticks are common. We love our pets and wouldn't want anything terrible to happen to them, and whilst laboratories are working hard to produce enough antivenom to alleviate the shortage in the next few weeks, it is important to understand the risks and symptoms of tick paralysis and how to prevent your pets falling victim to these dangerous parasites," said Dr Bob Rees, Bayer Animal Health Technical Services Veterinarian.
What should you do during tick season?
- Prevention is better than a cure – make sure you are treating your pet with a preventative treatment every 2 weeks throughout tick season. Repelling ticks before they bite is key to prevention.
- Check your pet every day for ticks – the best way is to feel, not look, for ticks. Start in the common places such as the head and neck, but make sure you search everywhere, including the ears, around the eyes, under the collar, between toes etc. Your pet is also bound to enjoy the extra attention!
- Be on the lookout for the telltale signs:
- Weakness in the hind legs or staggering, which may be followed by paralysis
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Change in the dog’s bark or cat's meow due to paralysis of the throat and voice box
- Laboured breathing, which may include a 'grunting' sound
- If you are travelling with your pet – check with your vet if you will be travelling to an area where there are paralysis ticks. If so make sure your pet is treated every two weeks and checked for ticks daily.
- If you notice any of the signs, it is critical to take your pet to your vet immediately
Take the time to protect the one you love!
* Protect the One You Love pet owner survey conducted by Bayer Animal Health
|
