Gold Coast vets are warning pet owners to stay vigilant, with a surge in deadly paralysis tick cases claiming the lives of local cats and dogs in recent weeks.
The Animal Emergency Centre at Carrara says multiple pets have died after arriving in advanced stages of tick paralysis.
Vet Director Dr Jessica Norman said too many cases could have been prevented.
“We’ve seen a steep rise in pets coming in with tick paralysis, and sadly many weren’t on prevention or had missed doses,” she said.
“It’s heartbreaking to lose pets to something so easily avoided, prevention is lifesaving and far more affordable than hospital care.”
The spike comes as warm weather and heavy rain create perfect breeding conditions for ticks.
Dr Norman added daily checks are also vital.
“It only takes a few minutes to run your hands through your pet’s coat and feel for anything unusual, that small habit could be the difference between a healthy pet and a critical emergency.”
Owners are urged to seek immediate help if their pet shows signs of tick paralysis, including wobbliness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or sudden collapse.
“If in doubt, don’t wait – get them to a vet straight away,” Dr Norman said.
