Ticks are running rampant in the UK right now, as numbers of the parasitic arachnids swarm during the spring and summer months when temperatures rise.
And while many of us know the dangers that tick bites can pose to humans, the insects can also attach themselves to our pets and can pose a huge risk to their health, including a condition known as tick paralysis.
Dogs are susceptible to this rapid, progressive disease if they get bitten by certain species of tick that inject a unique neurotoxin through their saliva, and while pooches can recover from the disease, recovery can be "unpredictable".
So what signs should you be looking out for?
According to PetMD, signs of tick paralysis usually begin between five to nine days after the first bite your dog receives and typically starts in the hind legs, first with incoordination and gait abnormalities, and then progressing to the dog's inability to use its legs.
The experts at the site said: "This paralysis rapidly advances over the next 24 to 48 hours to affect the front legs, muscles involved with breathing, and sometimes even the nerves in the face. Tick paralysis can be difficult to diagnose, and progression and recovery can be unpredictable.
"Contact a veterinarian immediately if a pet has a change in neurologic status - either in mental activity or ability to move."
When it comes to checking your dog for symptoms of tick paralysis, experts claim you should be paying close attention to your pet's legs and how it walks, as any changes could indicate early signs of the disease.
Other symptoms can also include:
Facial nerve paralysis, decreased jaw tone, and eye reflexes
Laryngeal dysfunction, changes in bark quality and volume
Aspiration pneumonia secondary to laryngeal dysfunction
Decreased ability to breathe
Decreased muscle tone
Treatment of tick paralysis is usually done by removing the tick to prevent further toxin release, before a tick preventative is applied which will kill any other unseen ticks and prevent future infestations.
PetMD states: "Some dogs who have survived tick paralysis may have natural immunity, although how long the immunity lasts is unknown. Some veterinarians use blood from hyperimmune dogs, or anti-tick serum, to treat other dogs with tick paralysis. This transfusion can anecdotally help speed up recovery but should be thoroughly discussed with your veterinarian regarding its benefits and risks."
How to safely remove a tick from your dog
According to Vets Now, ticks can be hard to spot, but usually become most obvious when you run your hand over your dog's head, ears, neck, or feet that wasn't there before.
To get rid of a tick, you should buy a claw-shaped tick remover and follow the instructions on the device carefully. You must take care to pull the head out, as breaking the head off will leave it inside the body, where it could continue to release toxins.
You should never try to pull or scrape a tick off using your hands, and if you do break the head off by accident, you should call your vet for advice as soon as possible.
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