AS warm weather is expected to continue throughout January, RSPCA Victoria is reminding pet owners about the risks that ticks pose on their furry friends.
Nationwide supplies of paralysis tick bite serum are running low, increasing the likelihood of untreated bites which can lead to serious repercussions.
Delatite Veterinary Services Senior Veterinary Nurse Emily Humphrey said that clinics from beyond Mansfield have rung to check supply levels so they know where they can send patients to to get the treatment.
"Most of the ticks we get in Mansfield are the Common Brown Tick which can be removed at home," she said.
Delatite Veterinary Services still has paralysis tick bite serum and can treat animals which present with tick paralysis.
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Ms Humphrey also said an increase of tourists from higher risk areas, which are wetter and more humid, increases the likelihood of cases being transported into low risk areas.
"Over the past few years you weren't getting people from other regions visiting," she explained.
RSPCA Victoria's Chief Vet, Dr Bronwyn Oke says prevention is better than cure.
"There are several straightforward ways to protect your pet from ticks, including topical ointments, tablets and chews, or even a simple tick collar.
"It's also much quicker and easier to find a tick or bite on a dog when they have a clean coat, so keeping your dog groomed when you're in an area with a high tick population can be a lifesaver for your pet," Dr Oke said.
Ms Humphrey pointed out that it is crucial to use preventative measures for two weeks before, during and two weeks after visiting areas where paralysis ticks are active and to conduct regular body searches.
"If you don't prevent, you are asking for trouble," she said.
RSPCA Victoria said that tick paralysis can be identified by:
• Loss of coordination, weakness in the back legs or difficulty getting up
• Changes in the sound of the animal's bark/meow or voice
• Retching or vomiting
• Coughing (sometimes it is a moist cough)
• Excessive salivating or drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Progressive paralysis that includes the forelegs
• Difficult or rapid breathing
• Grunting noise when breathing
• Other abnormal behaviours or symptoms
