Symptoms of Ticks in Dogs

Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they can cause a range of health issues for your pet, from mild irritation to life-threatening paralysis. But how can you tell if your dog has a tick? Recognising the symptoms of ticks in dogs early is essential for prompt treatment and preventing complications. The symptoms can vary based on the type of tick and how long it has been attached. This guide outlines the most common tick symptoms in dogs, the warning signs to look out for, and what to do if you find a tick on your pet.

Signs of ticks on dogs

Not all ticks affect dogs the same way. While some simply cause minor irritation, paralysis ticks can cause severe neurological and respiratory problems which can be fatal. The severity of dog symptoms from a tick bite can vary based on factors such as the tick species, the number of ticks and how long the tick has been attached.

Paralysis ticks

Paralysis ticks are one of the most dangerous parasites that can affect dogs in Australia. They release a potent neurotoxin that affects the dog’s nervous system. Symptoms from a tick bite on a dog caused by paralysis ticks can include:

•    Wobbliness or a loss of co-ordination in the hind legs, which can progress to paralysis.
•    A change in bark tone, sometimes sounding hoarse or abnormal.
•    Vomiting or retching.
•   Lethargy, reluctance to move, or general weakness.
•    Coughing or laboured breathing, indicating the toxin has started affecting the respiratory muscles.

If you notice any of these ticks and dog symptoms, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Brown dog ticks and bush ticks

Brown dog ticks and bush ticks do not cause tick paralysis but they can cause:
• Skin irritation: You may notice redness, swelling, or scabbing at the bite site.
• Anaemia: Heavy infestations can lead to blood loss, especially in puppies or smaller breeds, resulting in pale gums, lethargy, and weakness.

Brown dog ticks and bush ticks can also transmit potentially fatal diseases (eg. babesiosis, ehrlichiosis), so it’s important to consult with your vet if you find a tick.

What to do if your dog has a tick

If you discover a tick on your dog, don’t panic, but act quickly. Use a tick removal tool or tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin, twist the tick and gently pull it out with steady pressure. Do not squeeze the tick’s body; avoid using alcohol, heat, or oils to remove it.

After removal, keep the tick in a sealed container (your vet may want to identify it) and contact your veterinary clinic for advice. Early intervention can make all the difference when managing symptoms from ticks in dogs.

FAQs

How do I know if my dog has a tick?
To search your dog for ticks, run your fingertips slowly and gently along your dog’s skin, feeling for any unusual bumps hidden beneath the fur. Begin at the head and neck—be sure to check inside the ears and around the mouth. Work your way down the front legs to the paws, inspecting between and under each toe. Continue across the chest, belly, back, tail, and hind legs. Don’t forget to remove the collar and look underneath it, as ticks often hide in that area.
What happens if you don't remove a tick from a dog?
Depending on the species of tick this can result in serious problems. If it’s a paralysis tick, it could lead to life-threatening tick paralysis, which is more likely the longer the tick is attached.

How does a dog act when they have a tick?
This will vary depending on the type of tick involved. In the case of paralysis ticks, dog symptoms from a tick bite may include loss of co-ordination in the back legs (wobbliness) which may progress to include the front legs, difficulty standing, laboured or rapid breathing, change or loss of bark, coughing, gagging and vomiting. If you notice signs of tick paralysis, it’s essential to seek veterinary attention immediately.
What does a tick bite on a dog look like?
If the tick has recently detached, you may see a tick crater (a scabby, circular skin lesion where a tick was attached).