AS the weather warms up, it’s essential to ensure that your furry friends are protected against ticks.

Tick Paralysis is a severe and potentially fatal condition that requires immediate veterinary action, however, it is one of the most preventable diseases in dogs and cats.

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Known scientifically as Ixodes holocyclus, the paralysis tick causes ascending flaccid paralysis in dogs and cats, leading to an inability to walk, inability to swallow and protect the airways, eventual respiratory paralysis and then death.

Paralysis ticks can also have a direct effect on the heart, causing heart failure and without treatment, susceptible dogs will die.

Dr Margie Roser is a senior emergency and critical care vet who strongly emphasises the importance of being tick-cautious.

“Ticks are particularly potent in spring and early summer when the female ticks are most active and can travel in mulch, on clothing and in cars from the coast to inland regions.

“They can then go on to infect dogs, so just because your dog didn’t go to the coast doesn’t mean it can’t get a paralysis tick,” Dr Roser said.

Symptoms include lethargy, lack of power in the back legs and inability to jump, vomiting and/or a strange cough.

“Although the tick may already have dropped off, you should have a thorough look, with 90 percent of ticks found from the shoulder line forward

“It’s important to feel all over the pet’s skin, in every crevice, between toes and inside ears, searching for a hard scab or pinhead.

“If this is a tick, remove it immediately and bring the tick and the pet straight to the vet,” Dr Roser explained.

The most important thing is to keep the animal calm, as stress increases the effects of the toxin.

A quick daily check on your furry friend can make all the difference, particularly after bushwalks or beach visits.

By Tara CAMPBELL