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Using parasite treatments safely
Protecting your pets from parasites? We've put together the following advice to help you use these treatments safely - keeping pets, people, and our planet safe.
Parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms can make your pet ill or uncomfortable. Some may also risk spreading disease to other animals or humans, so it’s important to follow your vet’s advice for treatment and prevention.
If not used carefully, the medicines which prevent and treat parasites may harm you, your pet, wildlife, and the environment. Read our tips below to help you use them safely.
Always read the product label and leaflet before use, as these include important safety tips. Ask your vet if you have any questions.
Keep pets safe
Parasite treatments are important for protecting your pet’s health and welfare, but as with any medicine, they will only be safe and effective if used correctly. Here are our top tips to keep your pet safe when using these treatments:
- Only use products for the animal they’re prescribed for — they may harm others.
- Use the right product for the species — eg never use a dog product on a cat.
- Follow your vet’s advice on treatment frequency and when to finish the course.
- Avoid your pet’s eyes, ears and mouth when applying spot-on treatments, and make sure other animals can’t groom or lick them.
Keep our planet safe
There’s growing evidence of parasite treatments contaminating the environment, potentially reaching rivers through wastewater. They’re harmful to a wide range of invertebrates, even in small doses, threatening wildlife, ecosystems, and the environment. Our top tips to prevent this are:
- Discuss treatment options with your vet to minimise environmental risks.
- Check instructions before your pet is washed or swims. The medicine can wash off, stop working and harm wildlife and the environment.
- Dispose of the packaging safely and return unused products to your vet.
- Always pick up your pet’s poo and dispose of it responsibly.
Keep people safe
Some parasites can cause harm to humans, so using these treatments may keep humans safe too. But they are medicines, so must be used carefully to protect people who come into contact with them. Our top tips to keep people safe when using these treatments are:
- Check the label to see if you are sensitive to any ingredients
- Seek medical advice if you experience any adverse reactions
- Avoid contact with your skin, eyes or mouth
- Do not stroke or groom your animal until spot-on treatments are dry
Protecting your pet from parasites?
Read our leaflet on how to use treatments safely. If you have any question, always speak to your vet team.