Ticks still pose a risk for pets
WHILE Warwick pets and their owners do not have to stress too much this tick season, Warwick and Country Town Vets owner and veterinarian Greg Harris said it was still important to take the necessary precautions.
"We don't get many ticks in Warwick itself," Mr Harris said.
"If you head east you get problems though. Normally up in the ranges or down near Swanfels.
"Killarney is at a high risk and Stanthorpe too."
Mr Harris said pet owners should still take steps to keep their pets safe.
"Tickicide sprays and collars out there don't always work," he said.
"Check your dog daily for ticks.
"Don't take your dog for walks in long grass."
The vet said ticks could be passed from other animals such as possums and kangaroos.
Mr Harris said there were several symptoms of paralysis ticks to look out for.
"Slowness in breath, dry retching, vomiting, lack of energy and getting tired easily," he said.
If a tick is found on your dog, Mr Harris said it was important to get it to a vet as soon as possible.
"The quicker they get given the serum the better their chance of survival," he said.
"It takes about 24 hours for the serum to start working."
Warwick did have a bad tick season last year but Mr Harris said he was not expecting it to be as bad this year.
"Last year was the worst," he said. "I don't think it will be as bad (this season); we have had a few cases already."
The tick season lasts until around March next year.
RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said the Australian Veterinary Association had recorded more than 600 cases in Queensland, including 35 fatalities in the past three months.
