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Tick Paralysis in dogs is not a common problem in this country, but it does occur now and then. Although it is only seen infrequently, dog owners should know the symptoms so that they will recognize it if they see it in their own or someone else’s dog.

Tick paralysis is a reaction by the dog’s body to the neurotoxins in the saliva of certain ticks. The first sign is weakness and lack of coordination in the back legs, leading to paralysis in those limbs. The symptoms move forward and upward, progressing to the front legs and then up into the body. In extreme cases it can affect the muscles controlling respiration, leading to death. It is extremely rare for a dog to die from tick paralysis.

The cure for tick paralysis is to remove the ticks. Once the ticks are gone, the dog will usually recover muscle control in a matter of hours, although in some cases it can take days. In more severe cases, where breathing is affected, vet care may be necessary to assist with a respirator until the dog recovers enough to breath on its own.

Since most dogs are unaffected by this problem, and in many cases can be covered with ticks and show no symptoms, it is thought that some dogs are just more sensitive to the neurotoxin. It is also thought that some ticks produce a greater amount or a more potent version of the neurotoxin.

The best way to avoid the chance of this happening is to use a good flea and tick preventative to keep your dog safe.