It’s a sunny afternoon in the Philippines and you’re lounging with your beloved furbaby, then you spot it — a tiny, uninvited hitchhiker scurrying through your pet’s fur. A tick? A flea? Suddenly, cuddle time turns into an emergency grooming session.
If you’ve ever dealt with these pesky parasites, you’re not alone. The country’s warm, humid climate makes it a paradise not just for beachgoers but also for fleas and ticks. These little critters can turn your pet’s life (and yours!) into an itchy nightmare. But don’t worry. With a little know-how, you can kick them out before they overstay their welcome.
Tiny vampires
Ticks and fleas may be small, but they pack a punch. These blood-sucking parasites aren’t just annoying, they can spread diseases, cause allergic reactions and leave your pet scratching like there’s no tomorrow.
According to a 2021 study in the Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine, the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is one of the most common culprits in the country, often found in kennels, grassy backyards and even inside homes. Fleas, particularly the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), are just as notorious. A 2021 study published in Parasitologia found that these tiny jumpers are widespread in Metro Manila, making them a constant concern for pet owners.
Hide and seek
Ticks love to hide in warm, sneaky spots like behind the ears, between the toes, or under the collar — basically, anywhere your pet can’t scratch easily. Fleas, on the other hand, prefer to stay on the lower back, tail and belly, where they can feast in peace.
But the scary thing is that these parasites don’t just stay on their hosts. They thrive in places where your pets love to hang out. They lurk in grassy outdoor areas when your dog chases their favorite ball, in pet beds where you cuddle with them, on carpets where they take their afternoon naps and even on your favorite couch while they watch TV with you. If your pet brings home just one flea, get ready for an invasion because fleas can lay up to 28 eggs per day and can live off pets for an average of six weeks, according to a SunStar Cebu 2019 report.
Fight the bite
Regular vet visits are your pet’s first line of defense. Check-ups help detect infestations early, and your vet can recommend the best flea and tick preventatives for your pet’s lifestyle. A 2023 study in the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association Journal found that pets receiving consistent monthly preventatives had a significantly lower risk of parasite-related illnesses.
Cleaning your home regularly is just as crucial. Flea eggs and tick larvae can hide in pet beds, furniture and even floor cracks, so washing pet bedding in hot water and vacuuming frequently can stop their life cycle in its tracks.
Preventive treatments like spot-on applications, oral medications, or flea collars are highly effective. However, it’s worth noting that ticks in Metro Manila have shown resistance to fipronil-based treatments, according to a 2021 study from The Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine. This means it’s best to consult your vet about newer, more effective options.
Some pet owners swear by natural remedies like coconut oil, neem oil or apple cider vinegar sprays. While these won’t kill fleas and ticks outright, they can help repel them when used alongside vet-approved treatments.