Site Menus Section Skip to page content
Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus
Site Menus Section Skip to page content
When you think of the dangers of tick bites, the first thing the comes to mind is probably Lyme disease. Lyme disease can affect humans and animals alike. But it’s also not the only disease borne by ticks that can cause dangers to animals. Tick bites can also cause tick paralysis in animals. But what, exactly, is tick paralysis, and how is it dangerous to your pets?
Tick paralysis occurs when a tick bites an animal. When a tick bites a dog, cat, or another animal, it releases a powerful toxin through its saliva. This toxin enters the animal’s bloodstream. From there, the toxin makes its way into the animal’s nervous system.
Tick paralysis is, as its name suggests, a form of paralysis caused by the toxins released into the bloodstream by a tick’s saliva after a tick bite. The toxin paralyzes the cat or dog’s lower motor neurons, which control the muscles. With these neurons paralyzed, muscles will be in an apparent constant state of relaxation. This results in the animal being unable to move—hence paralysis.
Tick paralysis more commonly affects dogs than cats but can affect both animals.
Symptoms of tick paralysis usually begin to appear between 6 and 9 days following the tick bite. Symptoms can come on gradually. If your dog or cat has recently been in a wooded area, then you’ll want to keep an eye out for the following symptoms of tick paralysis:
If a cat or dog has tick paralysis and the symptoms progress to an advanced stage, it can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. Tick paralysis can prevent an animal from moving, even to eat or to breathe.
If you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a tick, or if it’s exhibiting any symptoms of tick paralysis, it’s important to seek medical attention with your veterinarian as quickly as possible. The later stages of tick paralysis constitute a medical emergency.
It’s vital to take your pet to the vet at the first sign of tick paralysis. Sometimes, pets can die from it, even with timely intervention.
The first step in treating tick paralysis is to check your dog or cat for ticks and remove all that you find. This will prevent even more toxins from being released into your pet’s bloodstream. Even if you find no ticks, it’s a good idea to bathe your pet with insecticidal shampoo.
In less severe cases, these two steps may be the only steps required. It’s always a good idea to take your dog or cat to the vet, however, to ensure that they’ll be fine.
In more severe cases of tick paralysis, emergency medical attention may be needed. Your pet may need hospitalization so that the vet can provide emergency intensive care. This is especially important if your pet is experiencing respiratory failure because of tick paralysis. In this case, the vet may need to provide your pet with supplemental oxygen.
Once your pet has been released from the vet and is starting to recover, you can help your dog or cat by encouraging them to rest. Too much exercise can inhibit recovery. Your pet needs to stay cool and not do anything that will raise their temperature. If your pet has difficulty eating, your vet will advise you on how best to feed your pet as they recover. You shouldn’t feed them normal food during the recovery period.
Site Sidebar: Skip to end of sidebar
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
We’re your local Orlando area Animal Hospital, and we’re excited to meet both you and your pet. Fill out the form below or give us a call to book an appointment or simply ask a question.
“Dr. Qasim has been amazing with caring for my aging dog. He goes above and beyond every time he sees her. The hours are extremely convenient with my inflexible schedule, since they are open evenings and on weekends. They always see me on short notice without any hassle. I’m so glad I found them.”
– Alyssa Douty
“Empathetic doctor and staff took care of us and our pet. I am very grateful. Excellent team that actually cares for the people and the animals.”
– J. D. Shedd
FEATURED ARTICLE
6 Best Dog Parks Near Lake Buena Vista
Find your dog's new favorite place to play
Read the full article >
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
How to Get a Sick Dog to Eat
Make sure your puppy is getting important nutrients
Read the full article >
// Store the visit time in sessionStorage to persist across pages (function () { const VISIT_KEY = 'uet_first_visit_time';
// Only set on the first page of the session if (!sessionStorage.getItem(VISIT_KEY)) { sessionStorage.setItem(VISIT_KEY, Date.now().toString()); }
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () { document.addEventListener('click', function (e) { let el = e.target;
// Traverse up to find the closest
// Only proceed if it's a real tel: link if (el && el.tagName === 'A' && el.href && el.href.toLowerCase().startsWith('tel:')) { const visitStart = parseInt(sessionStorage.getItem(VISIT_KEY) || '0', 10); const now = Date.now(); const timeElapsed = now - visitStart;
if (timeElapsed >= 30000) { uet_report_conversion(); } else { console.log("⏱️ Phone clicked before 30s – conversion NOT triggered"); } } }, true); }); })();
See What Our Customers Say View Testimonials!Phone: 407-352-2579
Fax: 407-352-2513
Email: drphillipsanimal@att.net
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd. #142
Orlando, Florida, 32819
© 2025 Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital. Powered by LifeLearn Veterinary Websites
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd. #142 Orlando, Florida, 32819
Mon – Fri 8:00am-11:00pm
Sat 9:00am-7:00pm
Sun 9:00am-5:00pm