FLEA & TICK CONTROL
Year-Round Flea & Tick Control for Pets
Our team helps protect your pet with vet-recommended treatments for long-term parasite control.
Flea Control for Pets
Fleas are more than just an irritation for your pet—they can lead to serious health issues. Fleas can cause skin diseases, transmit infectious and parasitic diseases, and even pass diseases that can affect humans. For some dogs, fleas trigger flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), an allergic skin condition that causes intense itching, hair loss, and skin infections. Even a small number of fleas can lead to severe irritation in dogs with FAD, making year-round flea control crucial for maintaining your pet’s health.
Pets most often pick up fleas from their environment, not from other animals. Whether your pet is walking, playing at the dog park, visiting the beach, or simply roaming the backyard, they are at risk of encountering fleas. Keeping your pet protected with effective flea control is essential to prevent these pests from causing discomfort or health complications.
Spotting fleas on your pet can be difficult. Fleas are small, fast, and some dogs may show intense itchiness or irritation even when only a few fleas are present. What’s more, the adult fleas you see on your pet represent only a small fraction of the problem. In fact, adult fleas make up just 5% of the total flea population. The other 95%—including eggs, larvae, and pupae—are hiding in your carpets, bedding, and throughout your home.
A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, meaning an infestation can quickly spiral out of control if not properly addressed.
Fleas aren’t just a summer nuisance. It’s important to use year-round flea control to keep both you and your pet safe from these pesky parasites, no matter the season.
Protect Your Pet: Comprehensive Tick Control
Ticks are a common parasite that can affect dogs in Australia, with the paralysis tick, brown dog tick, and bush tick being the most prevalent.
Paralysis Ticks
The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is one of the most dangerous parasites for pets in Australia. Tick paralysis is a serious condition that affects tens of thousands of dogs and cats each year, often with fatal consequences. While the greatest risk occurs during spring and summer, paralysis ticks can be found throughout the year.
These ticks are most commonly found on the east coast of Australia, from northern Queensland to Victoria. High numbers of adult ticks during peak seasons make it especially important to keep your pet protected year-round.
The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) attaches to your pet’s skin, feeds on blood, and secretes a potent toxin that can cause severe illness or even death. This toxin affects both dogs and cats of any age, making it crucial for pet owners to be vigilant in tick prevention.
Common signs of tick paralysis include:
Loss of coordination in the hind legs (wobbly or unable to get up), which may spread to the front legs
Change in bark
Retching, coughing, or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Laboured or rapid breathing
If your pet shows any of these signs, it could indicate the presence of a paralysis tick. Seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect tick paralysis to ensure prompt treatment.
To protect your pet from tick paralysis, follow these essential tips:
Use Effective Tick Control Year-Round
Ensure your pet is on a reliable tick control product all year round, especially if you live in or travel to areas with paralysis ticks. This is essential for dogs and cats in paralysis tick regions.Perform Daily Tick Searches
Even with tick control products, it only takes one tick to cause tick paralysis. Conduct daily tick checks on your pet, particularly in high-risk areas like the neck, ears, and underarms.Reduce Exposure to Tick Habitats
Limit your pet’s exposure to ticks by cleaning up leaf litter, debris, and restricting access to bushy environments. This will help reduce the chances of your pet encountering ticks in the first place.Remove Ticks Immediately
If you find a tick on your pet, remove it immediately using proper techniques. After removal, seek veterinary attention for further guidance, especially if signs of tick paralysis are present.
Brown Dog Ticks and Bush Ticks: What You Need to Know
While brown dog ticks and bush ticks do not cause tick paralysis, they can still lead to serious health issues for your pet. These ticks can cause skin irritation and transmit dangerous diseases, such as Babesia parasites. Babesia invades the red blood cells of dogs, leading to anaemia, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
At Belmont Vet Hospital, we’re here to help you protect your pet from ticks. We can show you how to perform a thorough tick search and recommend the best tick control products to keep your pet safe.
Call us today to discuss how we can help protect your pet from ticks and tick-borne diseases.