Paralysis Ticks in Dogs: Signs, Prevention and What to Do

Last Updated on November 6, 2026

The paralysis tick is one of the most serious everyday dangers for dogs on Australia's east coast, and a fluffy Cavoodle coat makes ticks easy to miss. A single tick can make a dog very sick within a few days. The good news is that ticks are largely preventable with a vet-recommended tick product and a quick daily check.

Here is what every Cavoodle owner should know, especially if you live near the coast or bushland, or holiday there with your dog.

What is a paralysis tick?

The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is a small native tick that lives mainly along the eastern coast of Australia, from north Queensland down into eastern Victoria. It latches on, feeds on blood and releases a toxin that affects the nerves and muscles. Without treatment, that toxin can paralyse the legs, then the muscles used for swallowing and breathing.

Ticks are most active in spring and early summer, but in warmer areas they can turn up all year round. Bushland, long grass and gardens near the bush are high-risk spots, and native animals such as bandicoots carry them into backyards.

Why Cavoodles are at risk

Cavoodles are no more attractive to ticks than other dogs, but their coat makes life harder for owners. A thick, curly or wavy coat hides a tick far better than a short, smooth one. Many Cavoodles also love a sniff through long grass and garden beds, and their small size means a smaller dose of toxin can have a big effect. If you take your Cavoodle to dog-friendly beaches or on bush walks along the east coast, ticks are part of the deal.

What are the signs of tick paralysis in a dog?

Signs usually appear a few days after the tick attaches. Watch for:

• Wobbly or weak back legs, or trouble getting up
• A change in bark, such as a softer, hoarse or squeaky voice
• Coughing, gagging or retching
• Vomiting or bringing up froth
• Laboured, slow or noisy breathing
• Not wanting to eat or drink

Tick paralysis is an emergency. If you notice any of these signs, call your vet or an emergency vet straight away, even at night. Do not give food or water, as a dog that cannot swallow properly can inhale it. Keep your dog calm, cool and quiet on the way.

How do you check a Cavoodle for ticks?

In tick areas, check your Cavoodle every day, and again after any walk through grass or bush. Use your fingertips rather than your eyes, and work slowly through the coat right down to the skin. Most ticks are found on the front half of the body, so pay extra attention to:

• The head, face, lips and around the eyes
• Inside and behind the ears
• The neck and under the collar
• The chest, armpits and front legs
• Between the toes

Keep searching even after you find one. Dogs often have more than one tick. A shorter clip in spring and summer makes checking far easier. Our guide to Cavoodle haircut styles covers summer cuts.

What should you do if you find a tick?

1. Remove it promptly. A tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers work best. Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and lift it out.
2. Keep the tick in a sealed bag or jar so your vet can identify it.
3. Call your vet for advice, even if your dog seems fine. Signs can still develop after the tick is removed.
4. Keep your dog quiet and cool, and watch closely for the signs above for the next few days.

How do you prevent paralysis ticks?

• Use a tick preventative all year if you live in or visit a tick area. There are monthly and longer-acting chews, spot-ons and collars. Your vet can recommend one that suits your Cavoodle's size and covers paralysis ticks.
• Give it on time. Set a phone reminder. Most tick cases happen when a dose is late or missed.
• Do a daily tick search during tick season, even with a preventative. No product is 100 percent effective.
• Keep the backyard tidy. Mow regularly and clear long grass and leaf litter near where your dog plays.
• Plan holidays ahead. If you are taking your Cavoodle to the coast from a tick-free area such as inner Melbourne, start a preventative before you go. Popular spots such as the dog-friendly beaches in Queensland are prime tick country.

What does treatment involve?

Vets treat tick paralysis with tick antiserum, plus supportive care such as oxygen, fluids and keeping the dog quiet. Severe cases may need intensive care. Most dogs treated early recover well, but treatment can be costly and the outcome is less certain once breathing is affected. That is another reason many owners in tick areas take out pet insurance, and why acting quickly matters so much.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, contact your vet straight away.