Pet owners across Australia are being warned not to become complacent about paralysis ticks and Canine Ehrlichiosis (a serious tick-borne disease) as the weather cools, with new claims data revealing the dangerous parasites remain active well beyond summer.

According to analysis from Pet Insurance Australia, paralysis tick incidents continue to occur throughout autumn and early winter, catching many pet owners off guard when they believe the risk has passed.

 

Paralysis ticks are capable of causing severe illness in pets and, if untreated, can become life-threatening within days.

Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton says many pet owners mistakenly assume tick season ends with the warmer months.

 

“One of the biggest misconceptions we see each year is that paralysis ticks disappear once summer ends,” Crighton says. “But our claims data shows tick incidents continue through autumn and even into early winter, particularly when conditions remain mild and humid.”

 

Cooler Weather Doesn’t Mean Tick Season Is Over

Paralysis ticks thrive in environments with vegetation, moisture and wildlife hosts, meaning they can remain active long after temperatures begin to drop.

 

Australia’s east coast, particularly coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland, remains a known hotspot for paralysis ticks.

 

“Ticks don’t follow the calendar,” Crighton explains. “If the conditions are right combined with humidity, vegetation and wildlife present, ticks can remain active much longer than people expect.”

 

Dogs that spend time outdoors, in bushland, parks or even suburban gardens may still encounter ticks during the cooler months.

 

A Growing Concern: Canine Ehrlichiosis

While paralysis ticks remain a major seasonal risk for pets, experts are also warning dog owners to be aware of Canine Ehrlichiosis, another serious tick-borne disease that has spread extensively across northern Australia.

 

According to Dr Karen Hedberg BVSc, Chair of the Dogs Australia Health and Wellbeing Committee, cases of Canine Ehrlichiosis have now been recorded widely across Western Australia, the Northern Territory, northern and north-western Queensland and parts of northern South Australia.

 

“This is a deadly disease, and all dog owners should be aware of this advancing threat,” Dr Hedberg says.

Canine Ehrlichiosis is caused by a bacterium (Ehrlichia canis) transmitted by the brown dog tick, which is found throughout large parts of Australia. The disease affects a dog’s immune and blood systems and can lead to serious illness if left untreated.

 

Health authorities now consider the disease endemic in parts of northern Australia, meaning eradication is no longer considered possible. Cases have also been reported in every state except Tasmania, although many infections in southern states have involved dogs that have travelled through affected northern regions.

 

Dogs travelling through brown dog tick-infested areas, including large parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales, may be at increased risk of infection. With warming climate conditions, experts warn the distribution of these ticks could expand further south.

Pet owners are encouraged to stay informed through their state agriculture departments and to maintain year-round tick prevention for dogs, particularly when travelling.
 

How Tick Paralysis Affects Pets

Paralysis ticks inject a toxin that can affect a pet’s nervous system, leading to symptoms that may initially appear mild but can quickly worsen.

Common early signs include:

 

• weakness or wobbliness in the hind legs
• vomiting or gagging
• excessive drooling
• difficulty breathing
• lethargy

Without prompt veterinary treatment, the toxin can progress rapidly.

 

“Tick paralysis can escalate very quickly and often requires urgent veterinary care,” Crighton says. “Early detection is critical, which is why pet owners should continue performing regular tick checks even during the cooler months.”

 

Don’t Stop Prevention Too Early

Pet Insurance Australia is urging pet owners to remain vigilant and continue using tick prevention products for pets throughout autumn.

Regular grooming and physical checks after walks, particularly around the head, neck and ears, can help identify ticks early.

 

“Ticks are incredibly small and easy to miss, which is why prevention and routine checks are so important,” Crighton says. “Remaining proactive can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your pet.”

 

A Year-Round Risk for Many Pets

While many people associate ticks with the peak of summer, the data suggests the risk period may extend longer than expected in some regions.

 

Pet Insurance Australia encourages pet owners to consult their veterinarian about tick prevention strategies suited to their local environment and pet’s lifestyle.

 

“Our pets rely on us to protect them from hidden dangers,” Crighton says. “Staying aware that tick risk doesn’t simply disappear when the weather cools can help keep pets safe all year round.”

 

ENDS

 

Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.

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