Tick-talk time, but not that kind! š This one is your introductory guide to ticks in Australia.
What are ticks, exactly?
Think of ticks as the unwanted hitchhikers of the animal kingdom.
These creepy critters, ectoparasites, are cousins to spiders (I was thinking of vampires, but I've obviously watched one horror film too many... š), and they are on a bloodthirsty mission that could spell trouble for your precious furballs.
Are all ticks harmful?
Worldwide, there are a whopping 900 tick species. Roughly. These are split into "hard" and "soft" ticks, of which around 28 species globally transmit diseasesālike Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and tick-borne encephalitisāto humans.
But let's bring things closer to home.
We've got approximately 73 tick species in Australia, 66 of which are endemic. (Yay? š) Seventeen species can feed on humans and domestic animals, but only 6 can make us sick. Of those 6 species, 3 are a nightmare. And by nightmare, we mean it's best to never ever encounter them!
š Paralysis ticks
These are the "most medically significant" in Australia. They also cause tick paralysis, the "most deadly preventable disease" in dogs and cats!
If "paralysis" doesn't make you sit up and pay attention, maybe the following details will.
- Paralysis ticks inject a poison (holocyclotoxin) that affects the nervous system. It's what causes paralysis, breathing problems, and death.
- They thrive in areas with plenty of trees, grass, rainfall and humidity. But their habitat is growing. You can now encounter them in highly urbanised areas!
- There's a global shortage of life-saving antiserum. š±
š Bush ticks
Non-venomous and actually prefer feeding on cattle, but bush ticks still pose a risk. Namely, bites can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and a potentially fatal infection in dogs called babesiosis. That's where babesia parasites invade red blood cells, causing severe anaemia, bloody urine, and jaundice. It can also cause multi-organ failure. Oof, not good.
š Brown dog ticks
Brown dog ticks are typically found in kennels, backyards, and even in our homes, where they can survive for weeks in their quest for a blood meal!
While they're not poisonous, they can make your dog gravely ill with bacterial diseases like ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. That's an emerging disease in Australia that can lead to bleeding disorders. Both conditions are usually treatable when caught early but can lead to heartbreaking consequences if left undiagnosed.
When are pets at risk?
Did you know that ticks can be active all year?!
Eggs are laid in the thousands every month. Larvae and nymphs are prevalent during autumn and winter. Meanwhile, adult ticks, like doggy allergies, rear their ugly heads in spring and summer.
By the way, size doesn't matter: Bites from minuscule nymphs can be just as problematic as bites from adult ticks.
How do they find hosts?
Ticks climb blades of grass/overgrown vegetation, hang out on tree branches, or hide amidst logs/leaf debris. There, they wave their spindly forelegs back and forth, waiting for unsuspecting victims to pass by. This is called questing. Then, they transfer to the host and latch on for a blood meal! Undetected, they'll feed days before falling off. It's disconcerting if you think about it. I'd rather not, to be honest... šµ
Preventing tick bites
Outsmart those dastardly critters with these 10 practical tips.
- Exercise caution. Avoid walking pets in tick habitats or where there's wildlife. Don't sit in grassy, leafy areas.
- Wear appropriate clothing in tick-prone areas. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed shoes for the win! Tuck them in for extra precaution.
- Use tick repellent. Ask your pharmacist for assistance.
- Get preventive care for your pet. Collars, spot treatment, chews, etcāwhat's best for your fur baby's breed, age, size, lifestyle, and region? Consult your vet.
- Be alert. After outdoor adventures, always do a body check. Include your pet! Look and feel for skin abnormalities.
- Groom pets. Trim and brush their coat regularlyāthis doubles as a tick check and bonding moment. And while water alone won't kill them, flea and tick shampoo can help prevent infestations. Round off home spa sessions with this luxuriously soft, highly absorbent shammy towel.
- Make landscaping modifications. Consider artificial turf if you're in high-risk zones. Use fencing to keep wildlife off your property. Incorporate mulch or gravel to discourage tick migration.
- Maintain your garden. Sweep away leaf litter. Keep grass and vegetation mowed/under control. Declutter your yard.
- Clean regularly. Vacuum carpets weekly. Wash your pet's blankets/bed covers frequently using a pet-safe laundry detergent. Leave your shoes outside lest ticks hitch a ride on them.
Ticks may be experts at gate-crashing our outdoor parties, but with know-how and vigilance, we can reclaim the fun for more play and less peril!
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