What else can I do to stop my pet's parasite treatments getting into the environment?

Targeted parasite protection keeps your pet healthy while keeping our rivers, soil, and local wildlife safe. Alongside taking a tailored approach to treatments, here are simple, practical steps you can take at home and on walks to minimise environmental contamination:

1. Follow the "Bath & Swim" Waiting Times

Topical Spot-Ons: Avoid washing your pet, letting them swim in rivers, streams, or lakes, or allowing them out in heavy rain for at least 48 hours to 2 weeks (check your specific product packaging) after applying a spot-on treatment. Spot-on medications wash off easily into water courses, where they can be highly toxic to aquatic life like fish and insects.
Collars: Remove anti-parasite collars before your dog goes for a swim or has a bath, and reattach it once they are completely dry.

2. Practice Good Grooming Hygiene

Washing Hands & Bedding: Wash your hands thoroughly after applying spot-on treatments or handling treated pets. Wash pet bedding regularly on a normal warm cycle rather than over-using chemical sprays in the home.
Dispose of Brushes Safely: When grooming your pet, especially after applying a topical treatment, throw any brushed-out fur directly into the general household waste bin. Avoid brushing your pet outdoors, as birds and small animals often pick up shed fur to line their nests.

3. Safely Dispose of Unused Products & Packaging

Never Flush or Wash Down the Drain: Never rinse empty treatment vials, collars, or unused medications down the sink, toilet, or outdoor drains.
Return Unused Medicine to Your Vet: Return any expired or unused parasite medications to your veterinary practice so they can be disposed of safely through medical waste channels.
Bin Packaging Properly: Wrap empty spot-on tubes or blister packs securely before throwing them into your general household rubbish.

4. Always Pick Up Pet Waste

Clean Up Immediately: Scoop dog waste on walks and clean cat litter trays daily. Bag waste securely and put it in a public dog waste bin or your household general waste bin.
Avoid Composting Pet Waste: Never put dog or cat waste into home compost bins, wild compost heaps, or near vegetable patches, as active medications and residual parasite eggs can leach into the surrounding soil and water tables.