Last Updated: 02/07/2026
Ticks on dogs: a complete vet guide
A vet's complete guide to ticks on dogs in Australia. Learn about tick types, how to safely remove a tick, spot tick paralysis, and choose the best prevention.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
Ticks are one of the most serious, and common, health threats for Australian dogs. Whether you live in the suburbs, coastal bushland or on a rural property, understanding how to identify ticks, remove them safely, and prevent future bites could save your dog's life.
This guide covers everything you need to know about ticks on dogs in Australia: the species you'll encounter, how dogs pick them up, safe removal, tick paralysis, and the best prevention options available.
What are ticks and why are dogs at risk in Australia?
Australia is home to several tick species, but three main tick species affect dogs.
The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is the most dangerous — it is located along Australia's eastern coastline from north Queensland to eastern Victoria, and is most active in spring and summer, though in warmer regions it can cause problems year-round.
The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is found Australia-wide. In some areas of Australia it can transmit Ehrlichiosis - a serious bacterial illness caused by Ehrlichia canis, which was first detected in Australia in 2020 and is now spreading beyond where it was initially found in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
The bush tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is common in eastern Australia and can cause local irritation and anaemia with heavy infestations.
Dogs are at risk because ticks are always searching for a warm-blooded host. Their natural hosts are native wildlife — bandicoots and possums are key reservoirs for the paralysis tick - so tick numbers tend to be highest where native animals are active. Ticks climb vegetation and wait for a host to brush past, making dogs exploring parks, bush tracks, and suburban backyards easy targets.
Vet tip: Even if you don't live in a known paralysis tick zone, year-round tick prevention is recommended to protect against ALL species of ticks.
How do dogs pick up ticks?
Australia is home to several tick species, but three main tick species affect dogs.
The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is the most dangerous — it is located along Australia's eastern coastline from north Queensland to eastern Victoria, and is most active in spring and summer, though in warmer regions it can cause problems year-round.
The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is found Australia-wide. In some areas of Australia it can transmit Ehrlichiosis - a serious bacterial illness caused by Ehrlichia canis, which was first detected in Australia in 2020 and is now spreading beyond where it was initially found in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
The bush tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is common in eastern Australia and can cause local irritation and anaemia with heavy infestations.
Dogs are at risk because ticks are always searching for a warm-blooded host. Their natural hosts are native wildlife - bandicoots and possums are key reservoirs for the paralysis tick - so tick numbers tend to be highest where native animals are active. Ticks climb vegetation and wait for a host to brush past, making dogs exploring parks, bush tracks, and suburban backyards easy targets.
Vet tip: After any bush walk or off-lead time in long grass, run your fingers slowly through your dog's coat — especially around the face, ears, collar area, groin, and between the toes. Ticks feel like a small bump or skin tag.
How do I safely remove a tick from my dog?
It is best to remove a tick as quickly as possible using a tick twister or fine-tipped tweezers. Hook the tool under the tick's body, as close to your dog's skin as possible, and twist or lever gently upward - don't squeeze the tick's body, as this can push more toxin into your dog. If you're unsure about removing the tick yourself, take your dog to a vet as soon as possible rather than attempting removal at home.
Do not use heat or apply chemicals to encourage the tick to detach - these methods can stress the tick and cause it to release more toxin.
After removal, take your dog to the vet immediately - bring the tick with you if you can, as identification helps your vet determine the level of risk and whether treatment is needed. Paralysis tick toxin continues to take effect even after the tick is gone, so symptoms can develop or worsen post-removal, and early veterinary assessment can make a significant difference to your dog's outcome.
For step-by-step instructions with photos, including what to do after removal, visit our full guide on how to safely remove a tick from your dog.
Vet tip: Keep a tick removal tool in your first aid kit, your car, and your walking bag. They cost a few dollars and are far more effective than using fingers or tweezers.
What is tick paralysis and how serious is it?
Tick paralysis is a life-threatening emergency. It's caused by a neurotoxin produced by the female paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) during feeding, which interferes with the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, causing progressive paralysis.
Early signs include a change in bark, wobbliness in the back legs, and reluctance to move. As it progresses, dogs develop difficulty swallowing (leading to regurgitation), laboured breathing, and complete limb paralysis. Without treatment, dogs can die from respiratory failure.
If you suspect your dog has tick paralysis, treat it as an emergency. Keep your dog calm and quiet (stress can make things worst), don't offer food or water (aspiration risk with swallowing difficulties), and get to a vet immediately. Treatment involves tick antiserum, supportive care, and sometimes oxygen therapy or ventilatory support.
Prognosis is generally guarded as deterioration can happen fast, so don't wait and see.
Read more in our complete guide to tick paralysis in dogs and cats, including how to identify the early signs and what to expect from treatment.
Vet tip: Symptoms can worsen for 24–48 hours after tick removal as residual toxin continues to act. Always follow up with your vet even if your dog seems okay after you've found and removed a tick.
What's the best tick prevention for dogs?
The most effective tick prevention for dogs is isoxazoline-based products, including brands like NexGard, NexGard Spectra, Simparica, Simparica Trio and Bravecto. These products work systemically to kill ticks after they attach, and depending on the product, provide protection for one to three months. They've significantly changed tick paralysis outcomes for dogs in high-risk areas.
Spot-on products (like Frontline Plus or Advantix) and tick collars (like Seresto) offer an additional layer of protection but should not be relied on as sole prevention in paralysis tick zones. No product is 100% effective - regular tick checks remain essential, even on prevention.
For dogs in brown dog tick areas, prevention also reduces your dog's exposure to Ehrlichiosis. Talk to your vet about which product best suits your dog's lifestyle, weight, health status, and geographic risk.
For a full comparison of tick prevention options, including whether a tick collar alone is enough, see our guide on whether a tick collar is enough protection.
Vet tip: Year-round prevention is now recommended for most Australian dogs - not just seasonal use. Brown dog ticks don't follow a season, and paralysis ticks can be active on warm winter days in coastal areas.
Frequently asked questions
Ticks are a genuine health risk for Australian dogs, but they're manageable with the right approach: year-round prevention, daily checks in high-risk seasons, and knowing how to act fast if you find one. The paralysis tick in particular can move from early signs to a life-threatening emergency within hours, so this is one area where being proactive really does make a difference.
If you've found a tick on your dog and you're at all worried about their condition, call your vet. It's always better to check.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Fri Jun 26 2026
Written by Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
