If you own an Oodle then lucky you. We love them and all their quirks. They certainly come with their own set of problems and one is that they are prime tick magnets. Their beautiful, curly coats make the perfect hiding spot for these tiny but dangerous parasites, so regular checks are a must, especially during tick season.

Believe me it is really scary when you see a tick on your dog or suspect they have one. So finding it early is key!

When Is Tick Season in Australia?

While ticks can be found year-round in some areas, the highest risk period is spring and summer, especially along the east coast of Australia where Paralysis Ticks are common.

• Peak season: September to March
• Hot spots: Coastal areas of NSW and QLD, but ticks can also be found in bushland, parks, and even backyards.
• Risky environments: Long grass, scrub, bush tracks, and anywhere wildlife roams.

If you live or travel in a tick-prone area, you should check your Oodle every single day during these months.

How to Check Your Oodle for Ticks

Because Oodles have dense, curly coats, ticks can be tricky to spot. Here’s a step-by-step check you can do at home:

1. Start at the nose and work backwards
   Use your fingertips to feel for small lumps. Ticks can be as tiny as a pinhead or as big as a pea.
2. Key hiding spots (pay special attention to these):
   • Around the eyes and eyelids
   • Inside and around the ears
   • Under the chin and jawline
   • Around the lips and gums
   • Under the collar or harness area
   • Between toes and paw pads
   • Under the tail and around the anus
   • Under the armpits and the groin area
3. Use a comb or part the fur
   With an Oodle’s coat, parting the hair to the skin is essential; ticks will attach directly to the skin, not the fur. 

Signs Your Oodle May Have a Tick (or Tick Paralysis)

Even if you can’t see the tick, these symptoms could mean trouble:

• Weakness or wobbliness in the back legs
• Difficulty breathing or rapid panting
• Vomiting or gagging
• Change in bark or inability to bark normally
• Lethargy or reluctance to move
• Loss of appetite

Important: Tick paralysis can be fatal. If you notice any of these signs, especially in tick season, seek veterinary help immediately.

What to Do if You Find a Tick

1. Stay calm – Panicking can make it harder for you and your dog.
2. Remove the tick immediately – The sooner it’s gone, the better.
   • Use a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers.
   • Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
   • Pull straight out in a slow, steady motion—do not twist, squeeze, or crush it.
   • NB: if you don’t know how to remove it safety take your dog to the vet immediately – you need to ensure you remove the head of it
3. Save the tick – Place it in a sealed container for your vet to identify.
4. Check for more – Dogs often have more than one tick.
5. Monitor your dog closely – Symptoms can appear up to 24 hours later, even after removal.

Prevention Is Key

While daily checks are vital, prevention will give your Oodle the best protection:

• Use a reputable tick prevention product (speak to your vet about the best option for your dog’s size and age).
• Avoid known tick areas, especially during peak season.
• Keep lawns trimmed and gardens tidy.
• Book regular grooming to keep coats manageable for checks.

Ticks are small, but the risk they pose to your Oodle is huge. By checking your dog daily, knowing the danger signs, and acting quickly, you’ll give them the best chance of staying safe and healthy all year round.