The Dying Season
The Dying Season
The warmest 14 months in recorded history may be increasing our pets’ chances of lethal tick paralysis. We have already seen several tick affected cats and dogs and it is winter! Traditionally, locals started preventatives in September, but climate change may require “all year” prevention especially in high risk localities.
Tick Guru
Professor Rick Atwell is Australia’s foremost veterinary researcher of the deadly paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus). He warns that early season ticks (late winter/early spring) have been proven to attach, feed and inject their neurotoxin with maximal lethal affect. An engorged female adult tick 3-4mm side to side across the abdomen has been attached for approximately 3-4 days and injected enough toxin to kill an average size naïve dog even if they look currently minimally affected [most die day 5-6 after attachment]. The time lag is explained by the need for the toxin to be absorbed and circulated before attaching to the target sites. So do not adopt a “wait and see [die?]”strategy. They will deteriorate and antiserum works better before the toxin attaches.
Game Changing Tick Preventatives
Nexgard and Bravecto belong to a new class of oral ectoparasitics developed specifically for mammals. Studies prove excellent safety profiling and immediate and persistent efficacy against a range of ectoparasites. Using these products it is normal for owners to find dead attached ticks on unaffected dogs.
They are safe in dogs over 2 kg from 8 weeks of age and in breeding, pregnant and lactating bitches. They do not wash off or affect aquatic organisms or your human family. They should be given with a meal and dogs rested afterwards to avoid vomiting. Bravecto (MSD Australia) is our choice as it lasts for 3 months against fleas and 4 months against paralysis ticks. Our experience last season showed close to 100% tick paralysis preventative efficacy if given before your dog gets a tick!
Bravecto Specials (from 3/8/16 while stocks last)
Receive 1 free scratch and win card* with each pack purchased (1 in 4 win a free Bravecto or $20 Coles Myer gift card!)
Buy any two and get 10% off total + 2 free scratch and win cards*
*awaiting MSD supply [first 250 purchases honoured]
