Fleas and ticks on dogs
Fleas and ticks on dogs in Australia
Fleas and ticks are common parasites that pose serious health risks to dogs. Australia’s warm climate, especially along the east coast, provides an ideal environment for them to grow, making them a year-round concern for dog owners in Australia.1
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on blood and have hard bodies, making them difficult to crush.1 They reproduce rapidly, are highly adaptive and may cause issues like intense itching, hair loss and allergic dermatitis in dogs.
Ticks are arachnids that attach themselves to a host to feed. They are larger than fleas and range from pinheads (nymphs) to peas (engorged adults).2 Ticks pose more severe health threats than fleas due to their ability to transmit diseases and cause paralysis if dog owners don’t spot them in time.
Understanding the different types of ticks, symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, and prevention methods is crucial to keeping your dog safe. Regular vet check-ups, preventative treatments and environmental management will help ensure your dog enjoys a healthy, tick-free life.1 If you suspect your dog has a tick-related issue, always consult your local vet immediately.
What types of ticks are there?
Australia is home to several species of ticks that can affect dogs, with some posing life-threatening risks. Here’s an overview of Australia’s tick species:
Paralysis tick
- Found along the eastern seaboard, from Queensland to Victoria2
- Produces a neurotoxin that can cause paralysis and death
- Most active from spring to autumn, but can be found year-round in warm climates.
Brown dog tick
- Found across Australia, especially in warmer regions2
- Can transmit serious diseases like Ehrlichiosis.
Bush tick
- Common in grasslands, forests, and bushy areas2
- Less likely to cause severe harm to dogs but still requires monitoring.
Paralysis ticks in dogs
The paralysis tick is the most dangerous tick species for dogs in Australia.3 During feeding, it secretes a toxin that causes ascending paralysis, starting in the hind legs and moving to the respiratory system. If untreated, this can potentially lead to death.
Key facts about paralysis ticks:
- They are often found in bushland, long grass and coastal areas
- They prefer warm, humid environments
- One tick can produce enough toxin to cause paralysis in a dog.
Life stages of the paralysis tick:
- Egg: Female ticks lay thousands of eggs in their environment2
- Larva: Tiny, six-legged ‘seed ticks’ attach to small animals
- Nymph: The eight-legged nymph attaches to a host to feed
- Adult: The adult tick attaches to a larger host like a dog to feed and reproduce.
Signs of tick paralysis on dogs
Paralysis tick symptoms can appear gradually and worsen over time.3 Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Common signs to look out for include:
- Weakness in the hind legs
- Loss of appetite
- Staggering or wobbliness when walking (ataxia)
- Full paralysis
- Difficulty breathing or rapid, shallow breathing
- Vomiting, retching, or regurgitation
- Change in bark or voice (hoarseness)
- Cyanosis (bluish gums due to lack of oxygen)
- Collapse.
Immediate actions:
- If you notice any of these symptoms, inspect your dog’s coat for ticks. Ticks are usually located at the front of your dog’s body, near the shoulder blades or behind the front legs.
- Keep your dog calm and immobilised to reduce toxin spread and remove the tick immediately when you find it.
- Even if you find the tick, you should seek urgent veterinary care as delays can be fatal.
How to get rid of dog ticks
Removing ticks promptly and thoroughly is essential to minimise risks.
Step-by-step tick removal process
- Use a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers
- Grasp the tick’s body close to the dog’s skin surface
- To remove ticks, pull upward steadily without twisting or crushing them
- Store the tick in a container or a zip-lock bag and bring it to the vet so they can identify the tick and administer the correct antidote if required
- Disinfect the bite area with antiseptic
- Bring your dog to the vet for a checkup and monitor them for signs of illness.
Other methods to eliminate ticks
- Tick control products: Use sprays, spot-on treatments, topical sprays or tick collars recommended by your vet
- Bathing: Wash your dog with tick-killing shampoos
- Environmental treatment: Treat your home and yard with tick control sprays or granules.
How to prevent ticks on dogs
Regular tick checks:
- Inspect your dog daily, especially after outdoor activities
- Focus on common tick-hiding spots like ears, neck and underbelly.
Use preventative products:
- Vet-recommended tick treatments include oral chew tablets, spot-ons or collars that repel and kill ticks, such as NexGard Spectra and Seresto which are commonly used in Australia.
Avoid tick-prone areas:
- During tick season (spring and summer), avoid bushy and grassy areas
- If unavoidable, use tick repellents and inspect your dog after walks.
Maintain a tick-free environment:
- Keep grass and shrubs trimmed
- Remove leaf litter and debris where ticks might hide.
Vaccination:
- In tick-prone regions, consult your vet about vaccinations for tick-borne diseases.
Seek professional pest control:
- Have your yard treated if ticks are a persistent issue.
Fleas and ticks’ impact on human health
While fleas and ticks primarily target pets, they can also pose risks to humans. Protecting your pets from fleas and ticks also helps reduce the risk of infestations spreading to your home and family.4
Risks from fleas
- Bites: Flea bites can cause itching, redness and irritation in humans.4
- Allergic reactions: Some individuals may develop severe skin reactions.
- Disease transmission: Fleas can transmit diseases like murine typhus and carry tapeworms.
Risks from ticks
- Tick bites: Ticks can latch onto humans, causing irritation and potential infections.4
- Tick-borne diseases: Ticks may transmit Lyme diseaseor other illnesses in some regions.
- Tick paralysis: Though rare, tick paralysis can occur in humans, especially children.
Seasonal considerations
Year-round flea and tick prevention is essential, as Australia’s varied climate means these pests can thrive even in cooler months. Pet owners should be aware that flea and tick activity in their area varies with the seasons:5
Spring and Summer (peak activity):
- Warm, humid conditions lead to a surge in flea and tick populations
- Coastal and bushland areas are especially high-risk.
Autumn:
- Activity may decrease slightly but remains significant in warmer regions.
Winter:
- Fleas and ticks may be less active in colder climates but can persist indoors or in more temperate states of Australia.
More about fleas and ticks on dogs
How can I tell if my dog has fleas or ticks?
Look for symptoms such as:6
- Scratching, biting or licking
- Visible fleas, flea dirt (black specks) or ticks on your dog’s skin
- Scabs, redness or hair loss.
Are flea and tick preventatives safe for puppies or pregnant dogs?
Yes, but only use products specifically designed for puppies or pregnant dogs. Always consult your veterinarian for recommendations.
Can indoor dogs get fleas or ticks?
Yes, fleas and ticks can enter homes through clothing, other pets or open windows. However, indoor dogs still require prevention.
Are natural remedies effective against fleas and ticks?
Some natural remedies may help repel fleas and ticks, but they’re generally less effective than vet-approved treatments.1 Always prioritise products with proven efficacy.
How long does it take to treat a flea infestation?
Due to their life cycle, flea infestations can take several weeks to eliminate.2 Consistent treatment of your pet and home is crucial.
Do ticks die off in winter?
Tick activity may decrease in colder regions, but ticks don’t completely die off.2 Indoor environments or warm climates can sustain tick populations year-round.
Pet insurance for flea and tick treatments
Pet insurance can be a lifesaver when dealing with flea- and tick-related health issues in dogs. Conditions like tick paralysis often require urgent veterinary care, including anti-toxin serum, hospitalisation and intensive monitoring, which can cost thousands of dollars. Pet insurance may help offset these expenses, ensuring your dog receives the necessary care, while helping reduce financial stress. It can also cover treatments for secondary infections and ongoing health issues caused by tick-borne illnesses. Additionally, some plans may offer optional cover for preventative care, reducing the cost of providing routine flea and tick protection for your dog.
When choosing pet insurance, reviewing the cover for emergencies, chronic conditions and preventative options is essential. Compare and look for policies that cover hospitalisation and diseases caused by ticks and check for exclusions related to pre-existing conditions. Pet insurance provides peace of mind, particularly in high-risk tick areas, ensuring you can prioritise your dog’s health without worrying about unexpected veterinary costs.
Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determination (TMD) to ensure you know what your policy covers and that the product suits your needs.
Meet our pet insurance expert, Adrian Taylor
As Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor knows that dogs and cats get themselves into all sorts of mischief. One part of Adrian’s work is to help empower consumers to understand how pet insurance can help save them from exorbitant vet bills when their pet gets injured or falls ill.
Want to know more about pet insurance?
1 ASPCA. Fleas and Ticks. Accessed January 2025.
2 MediPlus. Ticks in Australia – Appearance, lifecycle, risks and prevention. Accessed January 2025.
3 Greencross Vets. Paralysis ticks guide: Symptoms and treatments. Accessed January 2025.
4 Southern Hearts Animal Hospital. Understanding the Risks: Comprehensive Guide to Fleas and Ticks for Pet Owners. Accessed January 2025.
5 RSPCA NSW. Animal Care & Information – Tick season: Protecting your pets. Accessed January 2025.
6 Dogs Australia. Health and wellbeing – Ticks and Fleas. Accessed January 2025.