Grey in colour with 8 legs closest to its head.

The paralysis tick can be as small as a pinhead or as large as a thumbnail.

The size and colouration can vary depending on how much blood they have consumed.

Paralysis ticks are among the most dangerous parasites. The female paralysis tick injects a toxin through its saliva into the animal's bloodstream that can affect dogs and cats, which can be potentially fatal, if not acted upon quickly.

• Heavy breathing (panting, noisy breathing, and possibly grunting)

• Coughing

• Vomiting

• Heavy salivation

• Wobbly legs (especially the back legs – dogs tend to sit but not stand)

• Collapse

90% of ticks are more likely to be present on your pet from the shoulders forward.

Start at the nose and run your fingers like a comb through the fur and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps right down to the tip of the tail.

Pay special attention to these areas: under arms, in and around the ears, around the eyelids, between the toes, and under the collar.

If you think your pet has a paralysis tick, bring your pet in immediately.

June to December.

But cases can occur all year round.