Vet’s warning after treating dog covered in ticks

A PALMERSTON vet saved Brownie the dog’s life after she was brought into his surgery covered in hundreds of ticks. WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGE.

• Exotic tick disease fears for NT dogs

A PALMERSTON vet saved Brownie the dog’s life after she was brought into his surgery covered in hundreds of ticks.

Dr Stephen Cutter said Brownie was thankfully treated and had since recovered and was doing well.

However, her story serves as an important warning about the dangers of ticks to Territorians’ pets.

“It is not uncommon for us to see and treat dogs with this many ticks both in communities and in the Darwin area,” he said.

“Adult ticks breed really fast, having 3000 babies each.”

Brownie has recovered after being infested by ticks. Picture: Supplied

Dr Cutter said Top End dogs were particularly susceptible to ticks because of the tropical climate.

“Ticks definitely prefer the tropics and like our outdoor style houses,” he said.

“It also can be impacted by what your neighbours do as they have legs and can travel. They can stay in a suspended state in the environment for over a year.”

Dr Cutter said the best treatment for ticks was specialised medication such as Bravecto.

“Alternative remedies like garlic and coconut oil are imaginary and do nothing except waste your money,” he said.

Brownie has recovered after being infested by ticks. Picture: Supplied

“We Territorians love our dogs — unfortunately ticks are one of the joys of living here and it’s our responsibility to protect our mates from them.”

Dr Cutter also warned about the importance of keeping dogs on a tick-control program to prevent a new exotic tick-borne disease, which has started to show up in Darwin.

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“Ehrlichiosis is sweeping through communities and has affected and killed many dogs,” he said.