Caring with clear leadership
Paralysis ticks can be deadly to dogs and have to be monitored all year round. They are particularly bad around the Northern Beaches of Sydney where bandicoots and possums carry them. This one looks huge but really they are about the size of a match head.
I insist on tick control treatments for my dogs and if they are in a particularly bad area I will use a tick collar as well. Even though I use a treatment I always check the dog as I pat them to feel for any unusual lumps or bumps.
A tick needs to be on a dog for about two days before the dog starts displaying symptoms of lethargy, dull eyes, lack of appetite, hoarse or laboured breathing and then unsteadiness on feet or loss of control of the back legs. Don't hesitate get them to the vet straight away for treatment.
If you find a tick squeeze a little Rid cream insecticide on them and then pull the tick head and all the body out with tweezers. The Tick Twister tick remover makes the job even easier.
Fleas will normally be controlled by the tick treatment. However, fleas can be become resistant to one treatment. If this happens talk to your vet about switching to another brand with a slightly different formulation.
Disclaimer: The tips here are general advice only and if you are at all concerned about the problem please seek professional advice straight away.