04/09/2026
TICK PARALYSIS MYTHS: LET’S TALK ABOUT THEM.
❌ MYTH: “My pet only has mild signs. Let’s wait and see.”
FACT: Tick paralysis can deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably.
One of the most frightening things about tick paralysis is that two apparently similar patients can have completely different outcomes. A pet may initially appear mildly affected and then deteriorate. Regurgitation, aspiration and respiratory failure can occur as the disease progresses. Even with appropriate treatment, deterioration can occur before recovery begins.
This is not necessarily because treatment has failed - It is the nature of the disease. There is no reliable way to look at an early tick paralysis patient and guarantee how severe the disease will become.
❌ MYTH: “I don’t have ticks where I live or my pet lives indoors”
FACT: Maybe you haven’t had a tick yet.
Paralysis ticks are transported by wildlife. They are transported on our clothes. They do not respect property boundaries. They can be introduced into environments by native animals and birds. Your property being tick-free in the past does not guarantee it will remain tick-free.
The important word is: YET. “I haven’t had ticks here yet” is not the same as: “I cannot get ticks here.”
“My dog is inside only!” - do you let your dog go to the toilet inside your house? Or does inside pet mean you actually take them outside daily to toilet in the grass? Because guess what - having access to outside means they are at risk for tick paralysis if they are not adequately covered with appropriate parasite prevention. Inside cats who are truly inside only should also still be covered with regular parasite prevention - because as previously mentioned we can accidentally bring ticks inside our house on our clothes and shoes. It is much better to be safe rather than sorry!
📞 Gympie - 0754822488
📞 Murgon - 0741681277
📞 Tin Can Bay - 0754864666
