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Writer's pictureSandy Brabon

Don't Let Ticks Ruin Your Summer Fun: Tips for Staying Tick-Free this Summer!

Updated: May 31

Summer is the best time for our furry friends and ourselves, because it means we can take our beloved pets to enjoy the summer days and cool off with us!

However, us and our pets aren't the only ones moving around now that it's gotten hotter...

*DUN DUN DUHHHH*

The ever so lovely, bloodsucking ticks are also here to play....yay.


As ticks start to move around more, especially in climates that are more humid and warm, they present a BIG risk to our fluffy friends.


DID YOU KNOW??

Tens of thousands of cats and dogs are affected in Australia every year, sadly with many of them not surviving..


It's so important to be protecting your pet against these guys, which is where our preventative options come in.


*Each box is categorised into weight categories so it will be affective to your pets unique weight*


Bravecto:

  • Spot on: 5ml pipettes, with an easy twist and apply nozzle. Treating flea's for 6 months, helps control paralytic tics for 6 months, controls brown dog ticks, sarcoptes, demodex and ear mites. Simply apply between your pets shoulders and let dry.

  • Chewables (3 month dose): 1 x chewable tablet that lasts 3 months after consumption. Treats fleas for 3 months, paralysis tick for 4 months, brown dog tick and bush ticks and controls demodex, sarcoptes and ear mites. Simply give your pet the treat and take a seat.

NexGard:

  • Chewable (1 month protection): Kills flea infestation, treats and controls ticks, treats and controls mange and mites, prevents flea tapeworm infestations and controls flea allergy dermatitis. This product one works for a month, so be sure to top up!

NexGard Spectra:

  • Chewable (1 month protection): Kills flea infestation, treats and controls ticks, treats and controls mange and mites, prevents heartworm disease, treats and controls roundworm, hookworm and whipworm, prevents flea tapeworm infestations and controls flea allergy dermatitis.

Advocate:

  • Spot on: Treats and prevents fleas, prevents heartworm, tretament and control of roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, demodex, sarcoptic mange, ear mites and lice. Apply once a month.

Paralytic Tick (ixodes holocylus) is one of the most common tick infestations that are seen in vet clinics. They reside in warm and humid coastal areas, more specifically the East Coast of Australia.

Since the Snowy Monaro is bordering the coast, we are at risk of those ticks.


Symptoms of tick bites:

  • Loss of coordination in hind legs

  • Vomiting

  • Retching, coughing or lack of appetite

  • Lack of bladder control

  • Panting, laboured breathing or rapid breathing

Tick bite symptoms take roughly between 3 and 9 days (after tick has attached) to show up on an animal. These symptoms are signs your pet may show if they have a tick on them. Providing tick preventative prior to your trip (no matter how short) will ensure they are safe from those horrid ticks.


Common places you will find a tick on your pet are the hind legs, elbows, armpits and in between toes. These places have less fur and therefore ticks have easier access to direct skin...ew.






If you do happen to find a tick on your pet, grab your tweezers or special tick tool, grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull up with steady, even pressure. If you twist or pull too hard, you risk leaving the mouth parts in the skin. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, contact your vet to assist with removal.



Ticks are always present in our lives, especially when we are travelling to humid areas where the paralytic tick resides. Preventative care is the best care if you want to keep your pet safe this summer. If you are unsure of your pets weight or unsure which product would work best for your situation, come in store and we will help you get exactly what you need!



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