Ticks On Dogs - Symptoms and Treatment 

The signs of ticks on a dog can vary depending on the species of tick involved. Three main tick species infest dogs in Australia: paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks and bush ticks. 

A bite from a paralysis tick can be fatal, and it’s important to be aware of what to watch out for. Signs of paralysis ticks in dogs may include one or more of the following: 

• A loss of coordination in the hind legs (wobbly or inability to get up) which may progress to paralysis
• A change in voice or bark
• Vomiting, retching, coughing or loss of appetite
• Laboured breathing or rapid breathing
   

Read more: Paralysis ticks on dogs

The brown dog tick in Australia is widely distributed, however, they are most prevalent in northern and inland regions. Brown dog ticks can cause skin irritation at the attachment site and heavy infestations may result in anaemia from excessive blood loss. Brown dog tick symptoms in Australia may also be related to diseases transmitted by the tick rather than the tick itself - they can transmit life-threatening diseases such as babesiosis and ehrlichiosis to dogs.
 

Read more: Brown dog tick

One of the most common bush tick symptoms in dogs is irritation around the area of the bite. Bush ticks can also transmit a disease called babesiosis to dogs. The Babesia parasites invade the red blood cells of the dog causing anaemia, which can be fatal.
 

Read more: Bush ticks on dogs

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium transmitted by ticks and is common in the northern hemisphere. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that Lyme disease is transmitted within Australia, although dogs which arrive from overseas may be infected.
 

The most common symptoms in dogs include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Painful or swollen joints
• Lameness that comes and goes
• Swollen lymph nodes and lethargy