Pets & Vets

Vet Linda Simon discusses how best to keep pets safe but reduce the harmful effects of chemicals on them and other wildlife.

VETS were upset to learn recently that many of our rivers in England are highly contaminated with “pet pesticides”.

The implicated chemicals are contained in some more well-known pet flea prevention products.

Fipronil (the active ingredient in Frontline) was discovered in a shocking 98% of water tested and, on average, was in concentrations over five times the acceptable limit.

We know that the detected chemicals pose a huge risk to the wildlife in the water and can even cause more susceptible species to die off.

They are a danger to a range of fish, birds and insects including bees. Indeed, plummeting bee numbers are a real concern for society and may put huge strains on agriculture in years to come.

While we might assume that the worst offenders are those dogs who are swimming, this is not necessarily the case.

It is believed that most contaminated water is originating in our homes and is then draining into the rivers.

This means the chemical is likely coming from treated pets that have been bathed, as well as from contaminated towels and beds that have been washed.

We should also consider the “wash off” when we wash our hands after applying these products.

Many vets are now calling for stricter prescribing regulations, meaning Fipronil would no longer be so easily available over the counter from places such as the supermarket and local pet shops.

Other vets are suggesting a less frequent application of pesticides to our cats, dogs and rabbits.

Certainly, applying flea preventatives monthly without fail (even in low-risk pets showing no signs of being affected) is likely going overboard.

While this may be appropriate for those pets with flea allergies who react badly to flea bites, perhaps this isn’t the right approach for all.

We could consider holding out on using these products unless an animal actually has fleas.

Of course, we would still need to routinely prevent other parasites that are not visible, such as worms and lungworm. ■