There have been many reports recently of the detrimental effects of pet flea and worming treatments on the environment and wildlife. At Heathfield Vets, we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment by choosing products that will protect our patients with minimal environmental impact.
What products should I be concerned about using?
The products causing concern are ‘spot-ons’ and sprays which contain the pesticides fipronil and imidacloprid. These can be found in products available over the counter in pet shops or via mail order subscriptions, as well as in some prescription medications from your vet.
How do these products contaminate the environment?
Products can enter the waterways if your pet swims or is bathed too soon after application of a spot-on, or if you wash your hands after application or after stroking your pet. The products can also be transferred onto clothes, beds, bedding, cushions, blankets, all of which will eventually be washed.
There are also reports of songbirds using contaminated pet hair to line their nests, which as been attributed to the deaths of chicks.
What products do we recommend at Heathfield Vets?
For dogs, we recommend a prescription oral parasite prevention which is given monthly. Oral parasite prevention presents a minimal risk of environmental contamination as the product does not sit on the skin. Products are excreted through the faeces which should be correctly disposed of. In cases where a patient is unable to take oral parasite prevention and we feel that protection is required, a spot-on may be advised. In these rare cases, the prescribing vet will always give advice about not bathing or swimming in order to minimise the environmental risk (as well as the efficacy of the product).
For cats, we recommend a prescription spot-on which does not contain fipronil or imidacloprid. We have chosen this product as all of the medication is absorbed and none stays on the skin or spreads over the whole body as it does in other spot-ons. This means the product is not on the fur continuously, minimising the risk to birds using fur for their nests and the transfer of the products to soft furnishing and hands. Environmental impact is part of the licensing process for parasitic products and when used as directed there is currently no sign of environmental impact when our recommended product is used topically.
How can I minimise my pet’s impact on the environment?
- Speak to your vet about prescription products rather than buying over the counter or subscription products. Your vet can assess your pet’s need for parasite prevention and ensure they are fully covered with minimal risk to the environment.
- Avoid the use of spot-on treatments in dogs unless absolutely essential.
- Dispose of any spot-on packaging or unused product with your original supplier rather than general waste.
- Do not wash your pet or allow them to swim after applying a spot-on.
- Do not stroke your pet while the spot-on product is still wet.
- Dispose of pet faeces and litter responsibly.
- If you have a flea infestation, speak to your vet about the steps to resolve it quickly rather than opting for over the counter options which may not be effective and could take longer to clear the problem.
Call us on 01435 864422 if you have any questions about your pet’s parasite prevention needs.
