Keeping Your Dog Safe from Ticks While Heading Down the Coast This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to pack up the car, grab your dog, and head to the coast for some sun, sand, and relaxation. However, the warm weather and lush coastal areas also bring a higher risk of ticks, particularly the deadly paralysis tick. These little pests can pose a serious threat to your dog, but with a bit of preparation and the right knowledge, you can keep your furry companion safe.

Here’s everything you need to know about tick prevention, removal, and what to do if your dog shows signs of tick paralysis while traveling.

1. Tick Prevention Is Essential

Ticks are more than a nuisance—they can cause life-threatening paralysis in dogs. That’s why preventing tick bites is the first step in protecting your pet. Bravecto offers a range of products that provide effective, long-lasting protection, perfect for your summer adventures:

• Bravecto Monthly Chews: Protects against ticks and fleas for 1 month. Ideal for younger puppies or dogs needing shorter-term protection. Administer at least 2 days before traveling.
• Bravecto Chews: Provides 3 months of protection and is perfect for longer trips. Give at least 2 days before your trip to ensure full coverage.
• Bravecto Spot-On: A 6-month topical solution for dogs who dislike oral medications. Apply 3 days before traveling.
• Bravecto Quantum Injection: Offers 12 months of protection in a single injection. Administer at least 1 week before your holiday for maximum effectiveness.

By ensuring your dog’s tick prevention is up to date before you leave, you’ll reduce their risk of exposure to ticks during your trip.

2. Daily Tick Checks

Even with Bravecto on board, ticks can still attach before they’re killed. That’s why it’s important to check your dog daily, especially after walks through bushland or grassy areas. Focus on tick hotspots like:

• Around the ears
• Under the collar
• Between the toes
• Under the tail
• Along the belly and armpits

3. What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you discover a tick on your dog, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

Remove the Tick:
Use a tick removal tool or your fingernails to grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible. Pull straight up with steady pressure—no twisting or jerking.
Don’t worry if the tick’s head or mouthparts are left behind. Half a tick is a dead tick, and it won’t produce any more toxins. The remaining bits will work their way out naturally as the skin heals.

Clean the Area:
After removing the tick, clean the bite site with antiseptic to prevent infection.

⚠️ Important: Humans can experience anaphylaxis when removing ticks, but this reaction does not occur in pets, so there’s no need to worry about this risk for your dog.

4. Watch for Signs of Tick Paralysis

Even after removing a tick, your dog may still develop symptoms of tick paralysis, which can appear anywhere from 1 to 7 days after attachment. Be on the lookout for these clinical signs:

• Weakness or wobbliness, starting in the back legs.
• Difficulty walking or standing.
• Changes in breathing: noisy, labored, or rapid.
• Vomiting, gagging, or loss of appetite.
• Excessive drooling or a change in their bark.
• Lethargy or collapse.

5. Act Quickly If Symptoms Appear

If your dog shows any signs of tick paralysis, seek veterinary attention immediately. Tick paralysis can escalate rapidly, leading to life-threatening respiratory failure. Treatment may include:

• Tick antiserum: Neutralises the toxin and stops symptoms from worsening.
• Supportive care: Oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and close monitoring.

Early intervention can save your dog’s life.

6. Plan Ahead for a Smooth Trip

A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip for you and your dog. Here are some final tips:

• Ensure your dog’s Bravecto prevention is up to date before you leave.
• Pack a doggy travel kit with essentials like a tick removal tool, collar tags, leash, food, water, and their regular medications.
• Research dog-friendly beaches, parks, and accommodation before you go.
• Take regular breaks during your drive to keep your dog hydrated and comfortable.

Enjoy Your Coastal Adventure!

By staying vigilant and keeping your dog’s tick prevention on schedule, you’ll be ready to tackle tick season head-on and enjoy a worry-free holiday. With Bravecto on board and daily checks in place, your dog can safely join you on all your summer adventures. 

For more tips or to book a pre-holiday health check, contact our team at Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital. We’re here to help you and your furry friend have a safe and happy summer!