It Only Takes One Tick.
One tiny tick. One ordinary moment. That’s all it takes for a healthy dog to be fighting for its life.
Paralysis ticks strike without warning. Thousands of pets are affected every year in Australia — and too many don’t survive. But prevention is possible, and staying protected can be simpler than you think.
Paralysis ticks strike without warning. Thousands of pets are affected every year in Australia — and too many don’t survive. But prevention is possible, and staying protected can be simpler than you think.
Tick paralysis isn’t rare. It’s one of Australia’s most common pet emergencies.
Paralysis ticks strike silently. A dog can be healthy one day and paralysed the next — struggling to move, struggling to breathe.
Each year, around 10,000 cases are reported in Australia1. Dogs are especially vulnerable, with far fewer surviving than cats.
Owners describe it as devastating: watching a pet weaken overnight, terrified they might not make it through.
The good news: modern treatments are highly effective at reducing this risk — but only if given consistently.
That’s where many owners struggle.
47%
of dog owners admit they forgot at least one treatment in the last year (survey of Australian and New Zealand Pet Owners).2
45%
say they struggle to remember treatments. 57% find it hard to give the dose (survey of Australian and New Zealand Pet Owners).2
Every missed dose gives ticks another chance to strike.
So how can you make protecting your dog easier?
Know your options. Rethink your routine.
A change in routine could make all the difference. What matters most is choosing treatments you can keep up with — whether it’s handled once a year during your vet visit, or you manage treatments yourself with a calendar at home.
No product eliminates risk; daily tick searches are always recommended. Refer to product for full claim details, including length of protection for specific parasites, application instructions and frequency.
Consistent, uninterrupted protection saves lives. Your vet can help you find the plan that works best for you and your dog.
Talk to your vet today.
If you’ve ever missed a dose or worried about falling behind, it may be time to rethink your prevention routine. Your vet can help you explore options and find a way to stay on track so you can keep your dog protected.
Not sure what to ask? Start here or download the full guide so you have it handy for your next vet visit:
- How can I make sure my dog stays consistently protected?
- I’ve missed or delayed doses before — are there options that make it easier to stay on schedule?
- Are there clinic-based options as well as at-home ones?
- How often will I need to remember something at home?
It only takes one tick to change everything — but it only takes one moment today to put your dog on the path to long-lasting protection.
Brought to you by
1 Padula, A. M. (2018). Tick Paralysis of Animals in Australia. In J. White (Ed.), Clinical Toxinology in Australia, Europe and the Americas. Springer, Dordrecht.
2 MSD Animal Health Australia & New Zealand Pet Owner Survey, 2025. AUS/NZ Fact Sheet (June 2025; n = 268 pet owners, 40 veterinarians).
* Longer-lasting compared to monthly flea and paralysis tick products.