What is tick paralysis?
Tick paralysis is a reaction to a poison that is found in the saliva of ticks. This poison is a neurotoxin, meaning it impacts your dog’s nervous system. Tick paralysis can be deadly but fortunately, the symptoms disappear shortly after the removal of the tick.  Since ticks can bring about several illnesses, it is advised that all dogs in areas with ticks have some form of tick bite prevention.

>What will tick paralysis look like in my dog?
Tick paralysis starts with a decrease in the muscular function of your dog’s hind legs and moves forward to the front legs and throat. Eventually, your entire dog can become paralyzed and die from respiratory failure.

How does my dog get tick paralysis?
The neurotoxin that causes tick paralysis is located in the saliva of ticks, and it is transferred to your dog via a tick bite.

How is tick paralysis diagnosed?
Your vet will make a diagnosis based on your dog’s physical symptoms and the presence or evidence of ticks on your dog.  

How is tick paralysis treated?
The treatment for tick paralysis is the removal of all ticks on your dog.

How is tick paralysis prevented?
The use of tick bite preventatives and killers such as flea collars or topical solutions such as Frontline® or K9 Advantix® is recommended to prevent tick paralysis.

Can I get tick paralysis from my dog?
No, you cannot contract tick paralysis from your dog.