Tick season in Australia: when risk rises and how to protect pets

Introduction

Tick activity changes with weather and location. Coastal and bushy areas see more ticks, especially after rain and in warm months. Use this simple calendar to plan checks and prevention. Prepared with input from our lead vet and founder, Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc.

Australian tick calendar at a glance

Spring (Sep–Nov)

• Risk climbs with warmer, wetter weather

• Start daily hands-on checks in known tick regions

Summer (Dec–Feb)

• Peak season in many coastal and bush areas

• Keep grass short, avoid dense scrub, and check pets after outings

Autumn (Mar–May)

• Still active after late rain or in warm microclimates

• Stay on time with prevention, especially around holidays and camping

Winter (Jun–Aug)

• Lower in cool inland zones, but coastal and tropical areas remain at risk

• Maintain prevention if you live or travel in risk regions

Where risk is higher

• East coast and hinterland from Queensland through NSW into eastern Victoria

• Bushland, coastal tracks, long grass and leaf litter

• Shady gardens and wildlife corridors

• Travel to the coast, camping, or weekends away in scrubby areas

Weekly routine that works

• Give prevention on schedule

• Do quick daily checks in season: lips, ear edges, under the collar, between toes, armpits, groin, tail base

• Re-check after hikes, beach days and travel

• Keep yard grass short and trim dense shrubs

What to pack for weekends away

• Tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers

• Spare dose if the renewal date falls on your trip

• Torch for evening checks and a small zip-lock to keep any removed tick

Safe removal basics

1. Part the coat and grip close to the skin with a tick tool or fine-tipped tweezers

2. Lift straight out with steady pressure

3. Keep the tick in a sealed container in case your vet wants to identify it

4. Watch your pet for 24–48 hours

When to see a vet now

Wobbly back legs, gagging or coughing, voice change, vomiting, trouble swallowing, or laboured breathing. These are urgent signs in tick regions.

Products we trust

• Dogs: Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs — monthly protection that also includes heartworm prevention and common intestinal worms when used as directed

• Dogs: Bravecto Chew for Dogs — long-acting flea and tick control

• Cats: Revolution Plus Spot-On for Cats — monthly spot-on with broad cover when used as directed

• Cats: Bravecto Spot-On for Cats — long-acting flea and tick control

Safety you should always check

• Dog products for dogs only. Never use a dog product on a cat

• Match weight band and minimum age every time

• Some dog spot-ons advise keeping cats away from recently treated dogs. Follow the label

• Ask your vet before dosing if your pet is pregnant, breeding, unwell, or on other medicines

FAQ

When is tick season where I live?
Ask your local vet about current risk. As a guide, risk is highest in warm, wet months and after rain in coastal and bush regions.

Do indoor-only pets need tick prevention?
If you live in or travel to risk areas, yes. Ticks can hitchhike indoors on people and gear.

Does swimming wash protection off?
Chews are not washed off by bathing or swimming. Spot-ons need a dry period after application. Check your label.

Not sure which product fits your pet and location?
Share your pet’s age, weight and travel plans and we’ll help you choose — contact us.