Removing ticks from dogs
Removing ticks from dogs

Be Tick Aware!

Ticks can cause serious and potentially fatal diseases in dogs. Read on to find out everything you need to know about ticks on dogs and how to help keep your dog safe from these nasty parasites.

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Tick Talk with expert Dr Ellie Leister

Find out more about ticks on dogs, the importance of prevention and how to check for ticks.

Tick Hotspots

There are three main species of Australian ticks that infest dogs: paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, and bush ticks. Ticks can be found across Australia but the distribution varies depending on the species.

Click to see where each species are commonly found

Australian map indicating paralysis tick zones
Paralysis tick zone*

*Approximate distribution based on confirmed reports (Barker & Barker 2021 (in press). “Ticks of Australasia”. Magnolia

Australian map indicating brown dog tick zones
Brown dog tick zone*

*Approximate distribution based on confirmed reports (Barker & Barker 2021 (in press). “Ticks of Australasia”. Magnolia

Australian map indicating bush tick zones
Bush tick zone*

*Approximate distribution based on confirmed reports (Barker & Barker 2021 (in press). “Ticks of Australasia”. Magnolia

Illustration showing tick types in both unfed and engorged states

The Australian paralysis tick can be deadly

Australia is home to a number of tick species that can infest dogs. Of greatest concern is the deadly Australian paralysis tick which can kill a dog if left untreated. They are most common in the warmer months, but can be found throughout the year. Using an effective tick control product all year round and performing daily tick searches are key to helping keep your dog safe from paralysis ticks.

Read more about ticks on dogs

Check your dog for ticks

Although tick control products will control most of the ticks that your pet may be exposed to, it only takes one paralysis tick to cause tick paralysis. For this reason, it is important to also perform daily tick searches on your pet. Follow these steps.

Click to see how to perform daily tick searches

Fingertips moving through the dogs coat feeling for bumps
Step 1

Gently move fingertips through the coat at skin level, feeling for any bumps

Tick markers indicating the dogs head, neck, mouth and ears
Step 2

Start at the head and neck (don’t forget the mouth and ears)

Tick markers indicating the front legs down to the paws and between and under the toes
Step 3

Continue down the front legs to the paws, checking between and under the toes

Tick markers indicating the chest, belly, back, tail and backlegs
Step 4

Search the chest, belly, back, tail and back legs

Tick markers indicating areas under the collar
Step 5

Remove the collar and search for ticks that may be hiding underneath it

Searching a dog thoroughly for ticks
Step 6

Searches need to be thorough as ticks can sometimes be hard to find

backyard dog run

It pays to prevent ticks on dogs

Many dogs with tick paralysis will require intensive care in a veterinary hospital for several days or even weeks. This level of care can cost thousands of dollars. Some dogs will sadly die despite the best veterinary care. It pays to be proactive and use an effective tick treatment for dogs all year round.

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