27 Tick cases on the rise in South East QLD Animal Welfare League Queensland calls on pet owners to be vigilant this tick season. Tick season has started in South East Queensland and Animal Welfare League Queensland’s (AWLQ) Community Vet Clinics (CVCs) have been seeing a rise in tick-related cases in recent weeks. Since August, AWLQ’s CVCs have already treated 26 tick-related cases in both cats and dogs (including Border Collie pup, Skylah, pictured right) with this year’s mild winter and recent warmer weather likely boosting local tick populations. Paralysis ticks are parasites that attach themselves to animals in order to drain their blood. As they do this, they secrete a toxin that affects animals’ nervous systems, leading to sickness or death. Pet owners are urged to take preventive steps against paralysis ticks, including ensuring their pet’s tick medication is consistently up to date every 30 days and thoroughly examining pets daily. Remember to check between their toes, inside their ears, nose, mouth and their belly. “Prevention is a lot better and cheaper than cure. Ensuring your dog or cat is consistently up-to-date with their tick prevention medication is paramount,” said Dr Dia Charalambous, AWLQ Vet Director. “Keep an eye out for any symptoms. If you notice symptoms or you do find a tick on your pet, the best thing to do is take them into your local vet clinic. If you do remove a tick from your pet yourself, ensure you take the remainder of the tick with you to your vet so they can identify it.” When the tick first attaches to the animal, it won’t have any signs of paralysis. If you can find the tick early before enough toxins have been injected into their system, it can help prevent any symptoms of paralysis. Common signs and symptoms that your pet may be suffering from paralysis tick toxins include: • Vomiting or dry retching • Lethargy • Loss of appetite • Excessive salivating • Coughing or loud panting • Wobbly gait • Weakness in the hind limbs, progressing to total paralysis Ticks often live in bushland or scrubby areas. Avoiding tick habitats can also reduce risk. Ensure you consult your vet about the most suitable treatment for your pet. PETS OF THE MONTH Franklin Animal ID: 133858 French Bulldog Age: 6yrs, 6 months Male Fawn Hello, I am Franklin. I’m cute, adorable and very affectionate. I have lots of love to give and even more kisses! Yes, I may be missing an eye, but don’t worry, that doesn’t stop me from seeing how great you are. A perfect home would look something like this: Loving, caring, adventurous and filled with people that have lots of time and attention to give me. I would absolutely love to be a part of the family, so somewhere I can spend most of my time chilling on the couch snuggled up next to you would be great. The cat is not allowed on the furniture. Alright, the cat can go on the furniture but NOT the kitchen bench. OK, the cat can go on the kitchen bench too, just NOT when I’m preparing food... deal? Fine ... the cat can go wherever it wants, whenever it wants, as long as it doesn’t swat me in the face at 5.30 in the morning demanding to be fed. The cat will be fed at 5.30 in the morning. Skylah Animal ID: 131293 Domestic Short Hair Age: 2yr 3months | Female Blue Cream Tortie Hiya lovely humans! My name is Skylah, and I’m here to tell you a bit about myself. I’m not your average girly girl, I’m an independent spirit with a heart full of curiosity and a mind eager to explore. I’ve got a reputation for being a bit of a diva, but hey, a cat’s gotta keep her standards high, right? I’ll let you in on a secret, though-I’ve got a soft spot for cozy laps and chin scratches. When I’m not plotting world domination from my favorite sunlit spot, you’ll find me purring contentedly in the presence of those who earn my trust. Looking for a feline girly who marches to the beat of her own drum? That’s me, Skylah. I bring a fiery spirit and a whole lot of love to the table. Let’s make life a little spicier together adopt me and prepare for a purrfectly independent adventure! For more visit awlqld.com.au or call 55099000 Gold Coast Shelter 21 Shelter Road, Coombabah
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjM5MTE=