Quick take
- Ticks are most active in spring and summer in many parts of Australia
- Daily checks and year-round prevention greatly reduce risk
- Remove ticks carefully with a tool or fine-tipped tweezers
- Seek vet care fast if your pet shows weakness, vomiting or breathing changes
- Keeping lawns tidy and avoiding known hotspots lowers exposure
Why tick season matters
Ticks are a serious threat to pets in Australia, especially in warmer months, from spring to autumn, with most cases occurring in spring and summer. Some species can cause paralysis or transmit infections that may become life-threatening if not managed quickly. Knowing how to prevent, detect and remove ticks helps keep your pet safe.
Common tick species in Australia
- Paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) – common along the east coast and can cause weakness, vomiting and breathing difficulties
- Brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) – can infest homes and transmit certain infections
- Bush ticks – more common in rural and bushland areas and can affect both dogs and cats
Signs your pet may have a tick
Early detection is critical – tick effects can escalate within 24–48 hours. As well as changes in body language, watch for these warning signs:
- Sudden weakness or lethargy
- Difficulty walking or dragging back legs
- Coughing, gagging or vomiting
- Swelling, redness or irritation at bite sites
- Excessive licking or scratching of a spot
Tick prevention strategies
1. Use appropriate tick treatments
- Choose prevention that suits your pet’s species and weight
- Follow label instructions and maintain regular dosing
2. Check pets daily
- Feel carefully around ears, neck, chest, under legs and around the tail
- Remove any ticks promptly with a proper tool or fine-tipped tweezers or urgently take them to a vet if you can’t locate of it is a paralysis tick.
3. Maintain outdoor areas
- Keep grass short and gardens tidy
- Remove leaf litter and trim dense vegetation where ticks thrive
- Avoid or restrict access to known high-tick zones
4. Be cautious during high-risk months
- Spring and summer are peak times in many regions
- Take extra care on bushwalks or in long grass
How to remove a tick safely
- Use a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers
- Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull straight out with steady pressure
- Avoid squeezing the tick’s body
- Clean the bite area and monitor your pet for symptoms
- Seek urgent veterinary care if any signs of illness appear
When to see the vet
Get veterinary help straight away if your pet shows:
- Weakness, collapse or difficulty breathing
- Vomiting, gagging or changes to their bark or meow
- Signs of tick paralysis or you cannot remove a tick completely
Early treatment can be lifesaving and helps reduce complications.
Final thoughts
Tick season poses real risks, but with prevention, daily checks and fast action, you can help protect your best mate. A few simple habits go a long way to keeping pets safe and well.
Keep your best mate protected with Buddy
Beach days, bushwalks and backyard hangs – Aussie summers are made for exploring. Buddy Pet Insurance is here to help back you up so you can focus on prevention and care, not the what-ifs.
FAQsFrequently Asked Questions about tick season for pets
Tick season can feel daunting – here are clear, bite-sized answers to common questions about prevention, daily checks, and what to do if you find a tick.
When is tick season in Australia?
In many regions, spring and summer are highest risk when it comes to ticks, though local conditions can vary. Stay vigilant year-round if you live in a hotspot.
Where should I check my pet for ticks?
Focus on ears, lips, chin, neck, armpits, groin and under the tail when looking for ticks. Run your fingers through the coat to feel for small bumps.
What should I do if I find a tick on my pet?
Remove ticks carefully with a tool or fine-tipped tweezers, clean the site and watch for symptoms. If your pet shows any weakness or breathing changes, contact a vet.
Are tick collars and spot-ons safe for cats and dogs?
Use only products designed for your pet’s species and weight, and follow the instructions closely. If unsure, ask a vet for guidance.
Can indoor pets get ticks?
It’s less common for indoor pets to get ticks, but possible if ticks are brought in on clothing, other pets or garden cuttings. Regular checks and prevention still help.
7 Nov 2025