Qld pets most at risk of parasites such as ticks, heartworm

About seven pets are being bitten by ticks and heartworms a day across Queensland, with the state recording the largest amount of pet parasite cases in Australia.

About eight pets are being bitten by ticks and heartworms a day across Queensland, with the state recording the largest amount of pet parasite cases in Australia.

Data from PetWatch – a collaboration from Petbarn and Greencross Vets – showed from September 1 to November 16, 626 cases have been reported for tick and Heartworm treatment in the state alone.

Across the country, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane were in the top seven parasite hotspots which are on the extreme level.

In New South Wales, 235 tick and heart treatments were administered from September 1 to November 12 compared to 189 in Victoria.

Up to ten per cent of dogs may not make it once they are bitten.

Animal Emergency Centre Woolloongabba director Dr Diana Chua said in her clinic she had seen a sudden increase or acute increase in tick patients.

Queensland is the epicentre for ticks and heartworms.

“We are seeing a lot more, in comparison to the last two years,” Dr Chua said.

“But we are seeing a lot more clients not being on top of their tick prevention this year. “Maybe that is a direct reflection of the number of cases we’re seeing as well.

Dr Chua said it was important pets stayed up to date with vaccinations. In her clinic alone she said she gets one case every second day.

Petbarn chief operating officer Scott Charters said for the love of pets they were determined to find out how to fix the problem of them dying.

“Our data shows that the average pet is unprotected for 5-8 months of the year so it’s a sad reality that too many pets die or become severely ill from parasites when they could have been protected through affordable preventative products,” he said.

Data from the University of Queensland confirmed PetWatch’s data showing paralysis ticks were all year round.

Queensland is the epicentre for ticks and heartworms.

“Parasites are often out-of-sight and out-of-mind until it’s too late. I would encourage Australians to stay vigilant, check the PetWatch risk level in their area, but also to understand the risk in areas that they are travelling to over the holiday period,” Greencross Pet Wellness Company Dr Magdoline Awad said.

Danielle Pommer said she was terrified when she found a tick on her dog, Charlie after she noticed his back leg was slipping when he was running. .

“The vet did tell me I caught it pretty early, it takes about three days for a tick to latch on and just start showing symptoms with a dog so I knew that he had it for at least three days.

“I was inconsolable. I think I was having a panic attack on the way to the vet.

“I definitely was not okay for the first 24 hours.”

Ms Pommer said it showed her how important the prevention pill was.

“He probably was only a few weeks overdue for prevention as well and it’s just crazy to think that it happened so quickly,” she said.