Local Information

Caring for your Pet in the Tropics

Living in a tropical environment creates different problems that you will need to be aware of while caring for your pet.  There are parasites and disease prevalent in our tropical environment that are not experienced in southern states.  Some of these are detailed below, but do check with your vet for more information.

Tropical Waters

The tropical waters are inviting but also provide a home to crocodiles and box jellyfish and pets could be considered a tasty snack or stung fatally.  Box jellyfish are at their most prevalent from October to May each year.   

Heat Stroke

Due to high temperatures combined with high humidity, heat stroke is a potential hazard to your pets, especially during the build up and wet season.  Heat stroke can kill very quickly leading to multisystemic organic shutdown. If your dog collapses whilst exercising, gums become red/purple, panting and drooling become excessive, try and cool down the animal with a hose and visit the vet immediately. 

Cane Toads

The cane toad is a new arrival in the Northern Territory and is particularly nasty.  It is brown in colour and has rough skin.  Dogs, and indeed small children as well, have been known to attack or play with cane toads - please discourage such actions.  The toad will defend itself by secreting a poisonous milky fluid from the back of its head.  This poison can be lethal to pets and cause sickness in children. 

Leptospirosis

High risk in warm humid climates especially when there is standing water around.  Leptospirosis is a virus mainly carried by rats in the Top End.  It is transferred to dogs mainly via urine contamination of water that you dog may drink or play in.  Death is generally due to kidney shut down or acute septicaemia.  Prevention is by vaccination and is highly recommended.

Ticks

We do not have paralysis tick in the NT.  Ticks can, however, result in blood loss often requiring blood transfusions.  They can also harbour parasites that can result in bleeding disorders in your dog.  Regular tick treatments are recommended.  These include tick baths, tick collars, Frontline or tick injections.  Tick injections cannot be given to collies, and your dog must be current with heartworm prevention.

Heartworm

Heartworm is a problem in most parts of mainland Australia but is highly prevalent with the NT.  Mosquitos transmit the disease.  Adult worms live in the heart surrounding blood vessels.  Dogs and cats with heartworm disease can remain clinically well for a long time, the disease is well advanced when signs such as poor exercise tolerance and coughing are noticed.  Prevention is definately better than a cure as treatment is expensive and not without risk.  If your dog or cat is less than six months old they can start heartworm prevention immediately.  For dogs or cats over six months old, a heartworm test is strongly recommended before starting any form of prevention.

Dog Registration

Dog registration is governed by Council by-laws in each area.  Contact the relevant Council in your area for further information.

 

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