Ticks on Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Removal & Prevention

Ticks on dogs and cats are common across Australia and can cause serious health problems, including paralysis. Learn how to identify different types of ticks, recognise symptoms in pets, and safely remove ticks at home or know when to see a vet.

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are small, external parasites that feed on the blood of animals. They are commonly found in bushland, long grass, and coastal regions across Australia. Ticks can carry harmful diseases and, in some cases, release toxins that cause life-threatening paralysis, particularly in dogs and cats.

Types of Ticks in Australia

Different types of ticks are found across the country, but three of the most commonly seen on pets are:

• Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus) – Found along Australia’s east coast, this dangerous tick releases a neurotoxin that can cause paralysis or death if not treated promptly.
• Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) – Typically found in warmer, inland areas. It can infest homes and kennels.
• Bush Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) – Common in rural areas and bushland, it feeds on various animals including dogs and livestock.

What Do Ticks Look Like?

The appearance of ticks depends on the type of tick, their stage of life and whether they’ve fed.

• Unfed ticks: small, flat and oval-shaped - around 3mm long, dark brown.
• Engorged ticks (after feeding): can swell up to 1cm and turn grey or bluish.
• Legs: They have eight legs and a small mouthpart used to embed into the skin.

You may notice them as a small bump or lump on your pet’s skin, often mistaken for a skin tag or wart.

Tick Symptoms in Dogs

Dogs affected by ticks, especially paralysis ticks, can show a range of symptoms. These typically develop over 3 to 5 days after the tick attaches and may include:

• Wobbly back legs or weakness
• Change in bark
• Vomiting or gagging
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Coughing or retching
• Lethargy or collapse

Even a single tick can lead to serious complications so early identification is key. If you suspect your pet has been affected, contact your local vet or an after hours emergency vet hospital.

Tick Symptoms in Cats

Cats are also vulnerable to tick paralysis, though symptoms may be more subtle:

• Sudden weakness or unsteady gait
• Loss of appetite
• Change in voice or meow
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse or extreme lethargy

If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately.

Real Case: Amelia’s Encounter With Paralysis Ticks

Having previously lost a cat to tick paralysis, Amelia’s owners from Anstead perform daily tick checks on their pets.

One evening Amelia didn’t come in for dinner and when she did Cathryn and Mark noticed that she was very wobbly on her legs. On closer inspection they found an engorged paralysis tick on the back of her neck which they removed.

Amelia became distressed and her normal talkative meows had ceased. Her owners brought her to our emergency vet hospital in Sinnamon Park where the tick was positively identified and her clinical symptoms confirmed tick paralysis.

Our vets performed a tick clip on Amelia and found a massive 11 ticks on her body. She was treated with tick anti-serum, sedation, full body clip and tick treatment spray (Fipronil). She responded well to treatment and once she was eating without gagging or retching she was able to go home for rest and monitoring.

We commend Amelia’s owners for their vigilance and quick action, which almost certainly saved her life.

How to Check Your Pet for Ticks

Performing regular tick checks is one of the best ways to catch ticks early, especially in tick-prone seasons (typically Spring - Summer, but risk persists year-round). We recommend all pet owners perform daily tick checks on their pets.

You can do this by running your fingertips through your pet’s coat and checking the whole skin surface for bumps. Be extra attentive when checking around the head, mouth, neck, chest and shoulders.

How to Remove Ticks Safely

Tick removal must be done carefully to avoid increasing the risk of toxin release. If you find a tick on your pet it is important to remove it immediately.

Tools you’ll need:

• Fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool
• Gloves, antiseptic, and a sealed container

Steps:

1. Part your pet’s hair and then place the tweezers as close as you can to the skin on either side of the tick. 
2. Gently pull the tick away from the skin until it releases. 
3. Be careful not to twist the tweezers or squash the tick as this can worsen toxicity.
4. Place the tick in a sealed container for identification.
5. Disinfect the bite area
6. Monitor your pet for signs of illness

If you’re unsure or the tick is not fully removed, visit your vet immediately. 

Emergency First Aid for Tick Paralysis

If your pet is showing signs of tick paralysis it’s important to seek urgent medical assistance. Additionally:

• don’t give them any food or water by mouth
• keep your pet cool and as calm as possible on the trip to the vet
• take the removed tick with you so that it can be identified

Early detection and treatment is critical in tick paralysis cases. If you suspect your pet has been affected, contact your local vet or an after hours an emergency vet hospital.

Tick Prevention for Dogs and Cats

Prevention is key to avoiding tick-borne illness. Here’s how to protect your pet:

• Use a vet-recommended tick prevention treatment (spot-on, chewable, spray, or tick collar)
• Perform daily tick checks, especially after walks
• Avoid bushland, long grass, or coastal scrub where ticks live
• Keep your backyard tidy and mow grass regularly
• Speak to your vet about tailored tick prevention based on your location and pet’s lifestyle

For more tips on tick prevention - check out our Tick Prevention Guide here.

Where Do Ticks Live?

Ticks thrive in warm, humid environments, especially:

• Coastal bushland
• Grassy paddocks
• Leaf litter and gardens
• Areas frequented by native wildlife

Even suburban pets can pick up ticks from nearby wildlife or parks.

When to See a Vet

Always contact your vet if:

• Your pet shows any symptoms of tick toxicity
• You are unable to remove the tick safely

Paralysis ticks can cause life-threatening symptoms within hours so early detection and intervention is crucial.

If you're ever in doubt, contact your local vet or nearest emergency vet hospital right away.