We often don't think about fleas and ticks until the weather warms up or our pets bring them home. Ticks are one of the most lethal threats to dogs, especially in Tasmania, where bushlands, coastal enclaves and grassy, leafy areas play host to the tiny toxic creatures. Ticks are also one of the most expensive threats, with the 2025 PetSure Australian Pet Health Monitor report concluding an average cost for tick treatment of around $3300.ˇ
Tick paralysis was the third most expensive condition in dogs in 2024, according to PetSure dataˇ. Dog insurance and cat insurance help give your pet the care they deserve, by assisting owners to prepare for unexpected accidents and illnesses.
The best course of action is preventative, though, according to Dr Betty Chan, Senior Veterinary Officer at PetSure, who recommends simple proactive steps to help to mitigate the impact of ticks and fleas.***
Know the signs: how to know if your cat or dog has been bitten by a tick***
Is Fido or Fluffy behaving strangely? It could be due to a tick bite.
In dogs and cats look out for:
incoordination and weakness, particularly in the back legs (but can progress to all four limbs);
paralysis;
noise or difficulty when breathing, coughing or grunting;
vomiting, gagging, regurgitation or reluctance to eat;
changes in the sound of your dog's bark or cat's meow;
changes to the eye, including reduction in the ability to blink or pupils that are different sizes; and
droopy eyelid/s or droopy facial features.
Avoid a ticking time bomb: check for biters
If left untreated, ticks can release a toxic cocktail into your pet's bloodstream that can escalate quickly. Inspect your pet daily, especially after walks (and doubly so in tall grassed or bushy areas), by running your hands over your entire animal, going against the grain of the fur, and feeling for raised lumps. Part the fur where necessary and pay special attention to areas around the head (including the eyes, inside and outside the ears, inside the lips and nasal cavities), between the toes, and under arms, legs and tail. If you find a tick, avoid squeezing it; use a tick hook or contact your local vet to have them remove it quickly and effectively.
With myPetPass®# (available to customers who have a pet insurance policy from RACT together with petinsurance.com.au), you can unlock extra support and savings. At no additional cost, myPetPass®# gives you access to:
24/7 online care with Live Vet>;
discounted pet prescription medications; and
savings on pet-care essentials.
With new offers being added regularly, myPetPass®# makes it easier to care for your pet.
Looking for pet insurance? RACT members get 10 per cent off new policies, plus receive one month free**, while non-members get their first month free~.
Credit: Jaromir Chalabala
Stay a paw ahead: how to avoid fleas***
Don't wait for your pet to start scratching before you check for fleas. Make it a habit to comb your pet's coat regularly with a flea comb. If you don't spot any, consider it a pamper session for your four-legged friend. Take a look at these tips on perfecting your DIY dog-grooming routine from PetSure's Dr Betty Chan.
Make your home a no-flea zone***
Fleas thrive indoors. To make your space a place they'll avoid:
vacuum often: pay attention to carpets, furniture and pet beds. Don’t forget to dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the container outside so fleas don’t sneak back inside;
regularly wash pet bedding: use hot water to kill off any flea eggs or larvae lurking in your pet's bedding; and, if need be,
call in the pros: if you're dealing with a severe infestation, choose a pet-friendly option when hiring an exterminator.
Natural or not: what to avoid***
When it comes to flea and tick treatments, avoid using ineffective expired products and pay attention to species-specific treatments. (Never use dog flea products on cats or vice versa; it can be dangerous.) Natural home remedies don't always equate to safe pet care. Here's what to avoid:
dish detergent: while it may kill adult fleas, it can irritate your pet's skin and won't address tick larvae;
garlic: it's a great addition to human food, but toxic for pets – and it won't keep fleas away;
apple cider vinegar: this might not actually deter ticks, but it will leave a sticky mess;
baking soda: while it's great for deodorising, there's no proof it kills fleas; and
salt: too much salt can be toxic, especially if your dog or cat ingests it.
It's best practice to consider year-round flea and tick prevention. If you're unsure, ask your vet. They'll be able to recommend treatments that are safe, effective and best suited to your pet's needs.
Need expert advice or want to know more this tick season? Reach out to our friendly vets through Live Vet>, a service available to members who have a pet insurance policy with RACT together with petinsurance.com.au.
Common pet insurance questions
Petinsurance.com.au policies entered into for the first time on or after 7 November 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representatives (AR) Pet Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 38 607 160 930, AR 1234944 (PIPL) and The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited ABN 62 009 475 861, AR 228578. Petinsurance.com.au policies entered into for the first time prior to 7 November 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PIPL. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsurance.com.au.
ˇBased on PetSure claims data 2024
**This offer only applies to RACT members who purchase a new RACT together with Petinsurance.com.au Pet Insurance policy between 12:01am AEST on 1 September 2025 and 11:59pm AEST on 1 July 2026 (Offer Period). Offer provides RACT members with a 10% discount on their new RACT together with Petinsurance.com.au Pet Insurance Policy premiums each year, whilst the policy remains in force, with all premiums paid in full, and while you remain a RACT Member (Member Offer). For instalment payers, the Offer is applied proportionately across all instalment payments during each year you remain eligible for the Member Discount. For annual payers, the Offer is applied automatically to your annual premium amount each policy year that you remain eligible for the Member Discount. This Offer will also provide RACT members with 1 month free in their first policy year only when they purchase a new RACT together with Petinsurance.com.au Pet Insurance Policy during the Offer Period (1-Month Free Offer). Instalment payers will not be charged an instalment for the first month and instalments will be charged from the second month of your policy period. Annual payers will have the 1 month free deducted from the annual premium at the time of purchase. To enjoy the Member Offer and 1-Month Free Offer, you must provide the promotional code RACTMEM1MF10 and a valid RACT Member number at the time of purchase. Customers can remove this Offer at the time of purchase. Not available with any other offer except for the multi-pet discount for additional pets. Excludes RACT staff members. Both the Member Offer and the 1-Month Free Offer are subject to RACT together with Petinsurance.com.au Pet Insurance Policy T&C’s available https://www.ract.com.au/insurance-and-finance/pet-insurance . Eligibility criteria applies, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement. RACT together with Petinsurance.com.au reserves the right to withdraw, vary or extend these Offer’s at any time, without notice.
~This offer provides you with 1 month of FREE pet insurance in your first policy year. For fortnightly or monthly instalment payers, the first premium will be charged on the first premium instalment of the 2nd month of your policy. The offer applies to customers who purchase a new RACT together with petinsurance.com.au pet insurance policy between 12:01am AEST on 1 September 2025 and 11:59pm AEST on 1 September 2026 (Offer Period). Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer with the exception of the multi-pet discount. Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria applies (Refer to the PDS). RACT together with petinsurance.com.au reserves the right to amend this offer at any time, without notice. Please visit www.ract.com.au/pet-insurance
#myPetPass® is a rewards programme provided by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923 (PetSure). Available only to holders of active RACT together with petinsurance.com.au policies. myPetPass® perks are provided by PetSure and third-party suppliers and also subject to these third-party suppliers’ terms and conditions. myPetPass® perks may be amended or withdrawn any time without notice. PetSure does not guarantee that any particular third-party providers will continue to participate in myPetPass® through the offer or provision of perks, or that the myPetPass® rewards programme or any myPetPass® perks or features of myPetPass® will continue to be available. Full Terms & Conditions available at mypetpass.com.au/terms.
***This is general veterinary information only. Please consult with your vet before acting on it.
>Live Vet Support is a service provided by PetSure that gives you 24/7 access to general veterinary telehealth advice for your insured pet(s) via online video or chat, via the Customer Portals owned and operated by PetSure. Access to Live Vet Support consultations subject to the Customer Portal terms of use available at petportal.petinsurance.com.au.
*Policy terms and conditions, limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses apply.
^The gap means the difference between the vet’s invoice and the eligible claim benefit under your policy. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure). GapOnly® is only available at participating vets. Find vets at https://gaponly.com.au/.