Many pet owners know their dog or cat receives tick prevention, but when they're asked what product they're using or when it was last given, they're often unsure.
This information can be extremely important when assessing an unwell pet presenting with tick paralysis symptoms.
Paralysis ticks can cause a wide range of symptoms and don't always present in the "classic" way. In some cases, pets may present with vomiting, changes in voice, breathing difficulties, weakness, wobbliness, or other less obvious signs. Pets may show just one of these symptoms, or any combination of them, and signs can vary from one animal to another.
That's why our team may ask detailed questions about your pet's tick prevention.
Common Tick Prevention Products
Chewable Tablets
Bravecto® Chew (Dogs)
Type: Long-acting chew
Protection interval: Up to every 3 months (check product label and your veterinarian's advice)
Chewable Tablets
Bravecto® Spot-On
Type: Spot-on treatment
Protection interval: Varies by species and product. Follow label directions and your veterinarian's recommendations.
Bravecto Plus® (Cats)
Type: Spot-on treatment
Protection interval: Follow label directions and veterinary advice, as intervals may differ from other products.
Tick Collars
Seresto® Collar
Type: Tick and flea collar
Protection interval: Long-acting protection (check collar application date and replace according to label instructions).
Injection
Bravecto Quantum
Type: Injection
Protection interval: Once-yearly subcutaneous injection administered by a veterinarian
Not Sure What Tick Prevention Your Pet Uses?
If none of the tick prevention brands above sound familiar to you. Ask yourself:
- Is it a chewable tablet, spot-on treatment, or collar?
- What colour was the box?
- When was the last dose given?
- Do you set a monthly reminder?
Even if you're unsure, this information often helps us identify the product your pet is using.
My Pet Barely Goes Outside. Do They Still Need Tick Prevention?
Yes. Paralysis ticks can affect pets even when their outdoor exposure seems very limited. We see cases in apartment dogs that only go outside for toilet breaks, dogs that mostly walk on short grass, and cats that are contained to catios or enclosed outdoor spaces.
If your pet goes outside at all, there is still a risk. That’s why keeping tick prevention current and checking your pet regularly remains important, even if they do not visit bushland, long grass or high-risk outdoor areas.
How to Stay On Top of Your Pet's Tick Prevention
It's easy to lose track of when your pet's next tick prevention dose is due, especially when life gets busy. A missed dose or delayed treatment can leave your pet unprotected and increase their risk of tick paralysis
Here are some simple ways to help keep your pet up to date:
- Set a recurring reminder on your phone or calendar for the day your pet's next treatment is due
- Take a photo of the product box when you purchase it so you always have the product name and dosing instructions handy
- Keep a record of treatment dates in your notes app, pet health folder, or vaccination booklet
- Mark replacement dates for collars on your calendar, as long-acting products can be easy to forget
- Schedule annual veterinary check-ups to discuss whether your pet's current tick prevention remains the most suitable option for their lifestyle and risk level.
If your pet ever becomes unwell and requires veterinary treatment, knowing the name of their tick prevention product and the date it was last administered can provide valuable information to the veterinary team and help guide their assessment.
Important Reminder About Tick Prevention
No preventative is 100% effective and regular tick searches remain essential, particularly in high-risk areas.
If your pet is showing any of the following signs, please contact a veterinarian immediately:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Wobbliness
- Changes in bark or meow
- Breathing difficulties
- Collapse
Keeping tick prevention current is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your pet from paralysis tick disease.
For more information about ticks and tick paralysis, read our Ultimate Guide to Tick Paralysis.
