What Are Ticks and Why Are They a Problem in Singapore?
Ticks are small parasitic arachnids that survive by feeding on the blood of a host. They commonly attach to animals such as dogs and cats, but can also infect birds, reptiles, and wildlife. While tick activity decreases in colder regions, ticks thrive in warm, humid climates, making Singapore’s tropical weather ideal for year-round tick survival and reproduction¹.
Unfortunately, because ticks are present throughout the year, pets in Singapore face a constant risk of tick infestations and tick-borne diseases if not properly protected.
Where Do Pets Pick Up Ticks?
Many pet owners assume ticks are only found in forests or tall grass. In reality, dogs and cats in Singapore can be exposed to ticks in everyday environments, including:
• Parks and dog runs
• Neighbourhood green spaces
• Walking paths and shared outdoor areas
• Areas frequented by stray or wildlife animals²
When searching for a host, ticks use a behaviour known as questing, where they sense body heat, movement, and odour before climbing onto passing animals³. Once attached, ticks use specialised mouthparts to pierce the skin and feed on blood.
During feeding, ticks can transmit harmful pathogens into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of serious tick-borne diseases such as babesiosis and ehrlichiosis in dogs⁴, as well as anaemia in cats⁵.
Signs and Symptoms of Ticks in Dogs and Cats
Ticks can be extremely small, especially before they become engorged with blood. As a result, they are often easy to miss, particularly on pets with dark, thick, or curly coats. If ticks are not immediately visible, pet owners should watch for the following signs, as infestations can progress from mild irritation to potentially life-threatening disease, when left untreated.
Early signs of ticks on pets⁶:
• Excessive scratching or itching
• Biting, chewing, or licking specific areas
• Redness, swelling, or skin irritation
More serious symptoms of tick infestation⁷ include:
• Fever and lethargy
• Joint pain or limping
• Loss of appetite
• Anaemia due to blood loss
How to Protect Your Pet from Ticks
Daily full-body tick checks are one of the most effective ways to detect ticks early, especially after outdoor activities. Pay close attention to areas such as the ears, neck, under the collar, between the toes, and around the tail.
If you’ve never checked your pet for parasites before, here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to safely remove ticks from your pet:
Step 1: Starting at the head to the ears, run your fingers through your pet's coat to feel for small bumps.
Step 2: Remove the collar and carefully check around the neck.
Step 3: Continue down the front legs to the paws, checking between and under the toes.
Step 4: Inspect the chest, belly, back, tail, and back legs
Step 5: Searches need to be thorough, as ticks can be hard to find
When You’re Short on TIme
For many busy pet owners, daily tick checks may not always be a feasible option. For added peace of mind, using a reliable monthly parasite preventive provides continuous protection, even when checks are occasionally missed.
NexGard SPECTRA® for dogs and NexGard® COMBO for cats offer broad-spectrum protection against both external parasites, such as ticks and fleas, and internal parasites, including worms, in a single monthly treatment. Featuring the active ingredient afoxolaner, NexGard SPECTRA® is a yummy beef-flavoured chew for dogs, while NexGard® COMBO is a convenient spot-on solution for cats.
With monthly use, these parasite preventives offer year-round protection in pets living in parasite-friendly environments. To choose the most suitable tick prevention and parasite control plan for your dog or cat, consult a veterinarian near you.
Refs:
1.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/399888017
2. https://asianews.network/singapore-earmarks-about-2-4m-to-tackle-tick-borne-diseases
3. https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/about/index.html
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167587723000727
5. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/skin-disorders-of-cats/ticks-of-cats
6. https://heartandpaw.com/pet-parent-resources/symptoms-of-ticks-on-dogs
7. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/ticks-and-your-cat