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Fleas and ticks are more than just irritants — they can pose serious health risks to cats and dogs, including skin infections, allergic reactions, and potentially fatal diseases like paralysis tick toxicity and Canine Ehrlichiosis.
You can help protect your pet by using regular tick and flea prevention products and performing daily checks for ticks, especially during peak tick season.
Age to start: From 8 weeks old
Recommended products:
Gold standard protection:
Note: Not all products suit every pet. Contact your vet to find the best option.
Age to start: From 8 weeks old
Recommended product:
Gold standard protection:
As with dogs, some cats may need alternative products. Speak with your vet for personalised advice.
Fleas do more than irritate your pet — they can cause skin diseases, spread infectious or parasitic conditions, and even affect humans in some cases.
FAD is a common allergic reaction in dogs caused by flea saliva. It leads to intense itching, hair loss, redness, and sometimes skin infections. Even a small number of fleas can trigger a severe response in sensitive dogs.
Pets usually pick up fleas from their surroundings, such as grass, carpets, or outdoor areas — not necessarily through direct contact with other animals.
Fleas are small, fast-moving, and often hide deep in the pet’s fur. You may not see them, even if your pet is scratching or showing signs of discomfort.
Yes. Because flea infestations can happen any time of year and often go unnoticed until they’re severe, consistent, year-round flea prevention is essential to protect your pet and home.
Regular and ongoing use of flea prevention products, combined with good home hygiene (vacuuming, washing pet bedding), helps break the flea life cycle and prevents infestations indoors.
The Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is one of the most dangerous parasites for pets in Australia. It injects a toxin that can cause progressive paralysis and may be fatal without prompt treatment.
Early symptoms often begin with weakness or wobbliness in the hind legs, which may move to the front legs. Other common signs include:
No. Only the Paralysis Tick causes paralysis. Other ticks, like Brown Dog Ticks and Bush Ticks, do not cause paralysis but can still lead to:
The climate in Cairns and North Queensland creates ideal conditions for ticks. Pets in this region are at higher risk year-round, making daily tick checks and consistent use of tick prevention products absolutely essential.
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