Common illnesses in Singapore dogs and cats (beyond tick fever)

A friendly note first: this is general information, not a diagnosis. If you think your pet is in danger, please call a vet straight away. Vets would always rather hear from you early.

It’s 11:40pm. Your dog has thrown up on the one rug you actually like, you’re typing “is my dog okay” into your phone, and the internet has a view. Several views, in fact, most of them alarming. This guide is the calmer version: a short tour of the problems vets in Singapore commonly see, what to look out for, and the one piece of advice that runs through all of it. Ring the vet early.

This is an overview, not a deep dive. Where we have a dedicated guide, we’ll point you to it. We’re not quoting how common any of these are here, because we don’t have a reliable local source for that, and we’d rather not guess.

Tick fever

Ticks are an everyday worry for Singapore dogs, and the illness they can carry deserves its own page. Read our tick fever in dogs guide for the symptoms and what to do. In short, if your dog has been tick-exposed and seems off, don’t wait it out.

Heatstroke

Singapore’s heat and humidity make this one a genuine risk, especially for flat-faced breeds, older pets and dogs exercised at the wrong time of day. If you’ve ever watched someone jog their husky round a park at 1pm, you know the feeling of wanting to say something. Our heatstroke in pets guide covers the signs. Heatstroke is an emergency: call a vet straight away.

Upset tummies

Vomiting and diarrhoea are among the most common reasons people walk into a clinic. Plenty of cases are mild and short-lived, such as a pet that got into something it shouldn’t have at the void deck. But some are not.

Symptoms to watch for (call a vet if you see these)

• Vomiting or diarrhoea that repeats or lasts more than a short while
• Blood in vomit or stool
• A swollen or painful belly
• Weakness, lethargy, or refusing food and water
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums or sunken eyes
• Any chance your pet swallowed a toy, string, medication or something toxic

Puppies, kittens, seniors and small pets can go downhill faster, so don’t wait as long. If you suspect a swallowed object or poison, treat it as urgent. Our emergency signs guide lists what can’t wait.

Skin problems and Singapore’s humidity

Warm, humid weather is hard on skin and ears. Vets commonly see itchy, red, flaky or smelly skin, hair loss, and ear problems. Causes range from allergies to infections to parasites, and they can look alike, which is exactly why guessing at home so often goes wrong.

Symptoms to watch for

• Constant scratching, licking or chewing
• Red, sore, moist or crusty patches
• Hair thinning or bald spots
• Head shaking, smelly ears, or ear scratching
• A skin smell that wasn’t there before

Please don’t try human creams or leftover medication. Ask your vet what’s going on and what’s safe for your pet. Stubborn or recurring skin problems are one of the cases where your vet may talk about a specialist (see vet specialists in Singapore).

Parasites: prevention beats panic

Fleas, ticks and worms are routine business for pets in Singapore. The sensible approach is a prevention plan from your vet that suits your pet’s species, age and lifestyle. One reminder worth repeating: some products made for dogs aren’t safe for cats, so never swap them without asking.

Don’t self-diagnose

The symptoms above overlap. Itching could be allergy, fleas or infection. A tummy upset could be dinner or something serious. We’d rather you spend a consultation fee finding out than a week wondering. Find a clinic on our vet directory, and if it’s after hours, check the 24-hour options in our emergency guide.