It's time to look out for ticks on your cats and dogs

The warmer weather has increased tick numbers on the NSW North Coast and quite a few domestic pets are turning up at local vets with tick poisoning.

It is wise to check your pet daily, as poisoning symptoms have been known to occur within 48 hours and usually show within 4 days of the tick beginning to suck blood.

Head, ears, mouth, under jaw, shoulders/shoulder blades, elbows, flanks, tail, and anus are some of the common areas on dogs and cats where burrowing ticks are found.

Onset of symptoms vary and your pet may just appear off-colour, have a depressed appetite, a persistent cough, or experience laboured breathing, begin unexplained vomiting with unsteadiness in the hindquarters.
Dogs may produce an altered bark.

Death is likely to occur if the animal is not treated or poisoning is advanced, so be vigilant with your pets and consult the local vet.

If you can afford to do so, purchase a tick preventative treatment and apply according to instructions.

The Daily Examiner article this week on Clarence Valley tick season.

Chart found at Love My Pet