It is caused by ticks which excrete a toxin that affects the nervous system of mammals, more specifically caused from female tick bites, and it can turn deadly if not treated. What happens, is that a tick bite can produce a flaccid paralysis, which leaves your dog with no muscular tone, feeling weak. It can vary depending on what kind of dog you have, as not all dogs or mammals are affected by ticks, and even some animals only have their hind limbs affected.

In some other pets, the condition can become extremely critical where the condition can ascend up the body and affect the front limbs and even the muscles required for breathing. Therefore, you should always know how to distinguish the signs of paralysis caused by ticks, so that you can get the symptoms under control and remove the ticks before things turn worse.

Read on to find out how you effectively get rid of the affects of a tick bite.

Warning Signs

Unfortunately, the signs usually start about five to seven days after the tick has started feeding, but the good thing is that it will usually take multiple ticks feeding at the same time to elicit the paralysis. You may notice that your dog suddenly seems weaker and has poor coordination with his/her hind legs, which are the very first clues that your dog has been bit by a tick. Your dog may also exhibit difficulty in chewing, breathing, and swallowing, and there will also not be any signs of a fever.

Whenever you notice your dog struggle with mobility, you should always take note if any of his/her symptoms relate to the above, so that way you can get your dog treatment immediately if they are in fact infected.

Diagnosing the issue

Normally, tick paralysis is diagnosed based on the onset of paralysis itself, and of course a rapidly worsening condition.

It also can depend on the seasons of the year, but rapid recovery occurs the instance that the ticks are removed. Even though the diagnosis comes from the signs and symptoms, you should still regularly check your dog for ticks, especially if you are often in regions where there are lots of ticks; and also if you notice your dog behaving strangely all of a sudden.

Cures for Tick Paralysis

Since the ticks can be removed, all you have to do is find them. This may be difficult if your dog often has a lot of fur, which means you may have to literally shave your dog to find the tick(s), before they cause serious damage to your dog.

Your dog may require more supportive care, such as artificial respiration, once the ticks are out, depending on how much damage was done.

There is also an antitoxin available to be given to your dog, and it can be procured quickly.