Sydney’s dog parks are a slice of heaven for our furry best friends – endless sniffs, new pals, and wide-open spaces to zoom! But as we soak up the beauty of our city, from the bushy trails of the Northern Beaches to the sprawling greens of Centennial Park, there’s an uninvited guest we need to be wary of: the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus).

This tiny parasite might be small, but it packs a potent punch. Found right here in our favourite Sydney spots, its neurotoxin can cause paralysis and, tragically, can even be fatal for our dogs. Understanding the risks, spotting the signs early, and knowing exactly what to do is non-negotiable. This is our definitive guide to keeping Cinnamon—and your pup—safe.

Tick Paralysis in Sydney: The Cheat Sheet

• 🚨 It’s a True Emergency: If you suspect your dog has a tick, don’t wait. Call your vet immediately.
• 🐾 Know The Symptoms: Weakness in the back legs, a change in their bark, and difficulty breathing are key red flags.
• 🛡️ Prevention is Key: Use a vet-recommended preventative product all year round.
• 🖐️ Daily Checks are Non-Negotiable: A daily, thorough check of your dog’s whole body is your most powerful tool.

Red Flags: Spotting the Symptoms (And Acting FAST!)

• A Change in Bark: Does their bark sound weaker or hoarse? This is often the very first sign.
• Wobbly Back Legs: Watch for weakness, difficulty jumping, or swaying when they walk.
• Breathing Changes: Laboured, noisy, or rapid breathing is a serious red flag.
• Vomiting or Retching: Difficulty swallowing can lead to gagging or bringing up food.

Your Tick-Proof Toolkit: How We Protect Cinnamon

The best way to deal with tick paralysis is to prevent it from happening. Here’s our three-step defence plan for Cinnamon:

• 1. Use Vet-Recommended Prevention: This is our frontline defence. We use an oral chew that our vet recommended, but there are many great options. A quick chat with your vet is the best way to choose the right one for your dog’s lifestyle.
• 2. Perform Daily Tick Checks: This is an absolute must. Every evening, we make it a ritual to run our fingertips all over Cinnamon’s body, feeling for any small lumps. With her thick Akita fur, this is non-negotiable. We pay extra attention to her head, neck, ears, between her toes, and under her collar.
• 3. Be Smart About High-Risk Areas: After a walk in any bushy area or through long grass, we are extra vigilant with our checks.

What To Do If You Find a Tick

Even with the best prevention, it can happen. If you find a tick, the most important thing is to remove it immediately and correctly.

• Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-remover tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
• Pull straight upwards with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk.
• Once it’s out, clean the area with a mild antiseptic.
• Crucially: Even if your dog seems fine, call your vet immediately. They will give you the best advice on what to do next.

Tick Safety: Your Questions Answered (FAQ)

Looking for an emergency vet in Sydney? We’re compiling a list of local emergency veterinary clinics.