This is the most common external parasite we see on Broome dogs.  Ticks come in different colours and sizes but are in fact all the same species of tick - the Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineous).  The different appearance of the ticks relates to the life cycle stage (larval, nymph, adult) and the engorgement of the tick after feeding on the dog. There is no paralysis tick in Broome, however large numbers of ticks can cause anaemia from blood loss and dogs can experience minor irritation at the attachment sites.  Brown Dog Tick is the carrier of a blood borne parasite called Babesia canis.

The tick has a three stage lifecycle:  Laval ticks hatch from tiny eggs and attach to your dog for a blood meal.  These ticks can look like small peppercorns and looks different to the next two lifecycle stages, nymph and adult ticks.  These stages have a more typical appearance with 8 legs and a fat body.  Adult female ticks can lay over 1,000 eggs and the whole lifecycle may be as short as one month.

Regular and effective treatment is essential to ensure your dog is free of tick.  Start your new pup on tick prevention before a problem occurs and remember than prevention needs to remain in place throughout the dog's life.  Dogs who are given no tick prevention will eventually get ticks.

Tick treatments include monthly oral products eg. Nexgard (our product of choice).  Monthly topspot products such as Frontline or Advantix can also be used.  Shampoos and tick collars (Kiltix) are also available.  Frontline spray is safe for puppies under 8 weeks of age.  These treatments also treat fleas.  Puppies and dogs with lots of ticks may require an injection to control the problem.  This injection is usually given monthly.  We also have a hydrobath at the clinic for shampooing and tick & flea rinses for your dog.

Cats do not get ticks!