Ticks Ticks Ticks!
By Kay Hisano | Dated September 24, 2024
With the warm weather upon us, it’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor adventures with your furry friends. However, with the sunshine comes an increased risk of tick paralysis. Ticks are emerging, and it’s crucial to ensure your pets are protected.
Tick Paralysis: What Is It?
Tick paralysis is caused by the bite of the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus). The ticks release a toxin that can cause severe illness, paralysis, and even death in both dogs and cats. These ticks are prevalent in bushy and grassy areas and can be picked up easily during walks, hikes, or even in your backyard.
Prevention Is Key
We want to remind all pet parents to keep their furry babies up to date with tick preventatives. Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can be life-threatening. Here’s a list of a couple of preventatives we highly recommend:
- DOGS
- Bravecto Quantum (Injection administered by vet): Given once yearly – see below
- Bravecto (Chew): Given every 3 months
- Bravecto (Top-spot): Applied every 4 months
- Nexgard or Nexgard Spectra (Chew): Given monthly
- Simparica or Simparica Trio (Chew): Given monthly
- CATS
- Revolution Plus (Top-spot): Applied monthly
- Nexgard Spectra (Top-spot): Applied monthly
- Bravecto (Top-spot): Applied every 3 months
- Bravecto Plus (Top-spot): Applied every 2 months
If you’re using a product that’s not on this list, be sure to double-check what it covers. Not all products that cover fleas will also cover ticks.
Bravecto Quantum: Long-Lasting Protection
We understand that life gets busy, and remembering to apply preventatives can sometimes slip our minds. That’s why we’re excited to share our Bravecto Quantum promotion! This revolutionary product offers up to a year of tick prevention for dogs—so no need for monthly reminders. Unfortunately, this product is not yet available for cats, but traditional preventatives like Seresto and Revolution Plus remain effective options.
For more information about the Bravecto Quantum promotion click here!
Signs of Tick Paralysis to Watch For
Even with diligent prevention, it’s important to know the early signs of tick paralysis in case your pet comes into contact with a tick:
- Weakness or wobbliness, especially in the hind legs
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy or loss of appetite
- Change in bark or meow
- Vomiting or coughing
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact us immediately. Early intervention can make all the difference in recovery.