Spring is a wonderful time to get out and about with our pets, but warmer weather also brings a fewseasonal health risks. In this edition, Dr Adele Lloyd shares some practical advice for Central Coast pet owners on ticks, snakes and keeping vaccinations up to date.
Tick Season Is Coming: Don’t Wait for the First Tick
Paralysis ticks are a serious risk for pets along the NSW coast. They are associated with bushland, coastal vegetation, long grass, leaf litter and other sheltered environments, and the risk can vary with weather and local conditions. Importantly, tick activity is not restricted to a single short season, so prevention should be considered as part of your pet’s ongoing healthcare where appropriate.
Dogs and cats can pick up ticks even when they have only been in the garden or on a short walk. Regularly checking your pet after outdoor activity is still worthwhile, even when they are receiving tick prevention. Signs of tick paralysis can include weakness, changes in breathing, difficulty swallowing, vomiting or a change in the way a pet walks.
Prevention is the best protection. The most appropriate tick control depends on your pet’s species, lifestyle and level of exposure. If your pet spends time around bushland, coastal vegetation or long grass, spring is a good time to review their tick prevention with your veterinarian.
Snakes, Bushland & Sand: Know the Risk
As temperatures rise, snakes become more active, increasing the chance of encounters with curious dogs and outdoor cats. Bush tracks, long grass, scrub, rock piles, fallen timber and areas where prey animals are present can all provide opportunities for an encounter.
Keeping dogs close and under control in higher-risk areas can reduce the chance of an encounter. It’s also worth discouraging pets from investigating holes, dense vegetation, logs and other places where a snake may be sheltering.
If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake, treat it as an emergency. Keep your pet as still and quiet as possible and seek immediate veterinary attention. Do not wait for obvious symptoms to appear, as deterioration can be rapid.
Keeping Your Pet Vaccinated
Vaccination is one of the simplest ways we can protect pets from a range of serious and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. Puppies and kittens need their initial vaccination course, while adult pets need ongoing protection according to their individual vaccination history and risk.
Not every pet has exactly the same needs. A dog’s exposure to other dogs, boarding, daycare and dog parks can differ greatly from that of a dog who spends most of its time at home. Likewise, an indoor-only cat has a different risk profile from a cat who regularly explores outdoors.
A vaccination appointment is also an opportunity for a broader health check and a conversation about your pet’s lifestyle. At home, we can consider preventative care in the context of where your pet actually lives, rests, exercises and spends their time.
Dr Adele’s Spring Reminder: Prevention isn’t about worrying about everything that could possibly happen to your pet. It’s about understanding the risks that are relevant to your individual animal and taking sensible steps to reduce them.
This newsletter provides general educational information and is not a substitute for veterinary assessment. For urgent concerns,contact a veterinary service promptly.