Queenslanders warned of deadly tick season this summer

Queenslanders with pets have been warned to keep an eye out for ticks, with vets predicting a devastating summer season is on the way.

Dr Rob Webster said that it's been a particularly bad year for ticks, which can trigger heart and lung failure, paralysing cats and dogs.

"This is one of the worst years we've seen in recent memory," he said. 

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"One in every ten patients that presents to a vet with tick paralysis will die from it."

October to March is considered tick season, although the parasites can be found at any time of year. 

Ticks are one of the deadliest threats to pets, with 10,000 animals presenting to a vet with bites every year.

The parasites prefer warm and humid conditions, and experts are warning this summer could be the worst they've seen yet.

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"Any kind of ill health signs you see if your pet at this time of year is very likely to be caused by tick paralysis," Dr Webster said.

Queenslander David Hooper knew something was wrong with his three-year-old  labraspoodle, Doris, when she lost feeling in her legs after her daily walk in the park. 

Early detection saved Doris' life.

"The first thing we noticed was that her front legs gave way and she couldn't hold her weight up," said Mr Hooper.

"Her esophagus had started to close up so she couldn't breathe so they put her into ICU straight away." 

Experts suggest checking your pets regularly for ticks, which can vary in colour and size.

They can be identified by running your hands through your pet's fur, searching for lumps or abnormalities. 

While the majority of ticks are found on the animal's head and neck, they can also appear around the eyes, between paws and in the beard of your dog. 

If a tick is found, experts recommend removing it immediately with tweezers and calling a vet straight away.