The Environmental Impact of Flea and Tick Treatments

Flea and tick treatments are an important part of maintaining the health and well-being of our pets. However, the environmental impact of these treatments is an important consideration that many pet owners may overlook. As we strive to protect our pets, it’s crucial to also be mindful of how these treatments affect the environment, and how easy it is for the products to be transferred to the environment. Indeed, many of the chemicals used to treat fleas and ticks are banned in other sectors like agriculture. 

 

With 11 million pet dogs in the UK, and approximately 75% of those using flea and tick treatments in 2023, there is growing concern about the environmental impact of companion animal pharmaceuticals. 

The problem with Traditional Flea & Tick Treatments

Traditional flea and tick treatments, such as spot-ons, collars, and oral medications, often contain chemical insecticides like fipronil, fluralaner, afoxolaner and imidacloprid (these are not the brand names, but instead the chemicals used by the most common brands). These chemicals are effective at killing and repelling parasites but can have unintended consequences on the environment.

Water Contamination

Topical Treatments

When pets treated with topical flea and tick preventatives go swimming or are bathed, the chemicals can wash off into water systems either directly or via our sewage systems. This runoff can contaminate rivers, lakes, and oceans, harming aquatic life like fish, nymphs and algae. 

 

Indeed, a recent study found fipronil (a spot-on treatment) in 98% of freshwater samples in the UK, and are reaching concentrations known to harm aquatic life in urban areas. It’s not just our pets swimming though, researchers believe that some of this results from handwashing after handling our pets, or simply bathing our pets, with wastewater entering the sewage network. 

  • Did you know that your dog should not be allowed to swim for 2 weeks after having a topical treatment?
  • Did you know you shouldn’t touch your dog on the site where the treatment was applied for 24 hours?

Ingestible Treatments

Flea and tick prevention pills (such as fluralaner) are consumed by the dog. Even ingestible treatments are not ‘locked in’ the dog. Scientists have found that run-off from urine and faeces can also enter the water system, as well as increase concentrations once a treated dog has been swimming. 

Waste Disposal

Improper disposal of used treatments or packaging can also contribute to environmental pollution.

Soil & Wildlife Impact

Persistent Chemicals

Many of these insecticides are persistent in the environment, meaning they do not break down easily. They can accumulate in the soil, potentially affecting beneficial insects and other wildlife. 

Non-Target Species

Chemical treatments can harm non-target species, including pollinators like bees and other beneficial insects, disrupting local ecosystems. One monthly flea treatment for a large dog contains enough imidacloprid to kill 25 million bees. Only recently has imidacloprid been banned in agriculture due to these concerns, but it remains very prevalent within companion animal pet care. Birds have been found to be using contaminated dog hair to build their nests, and the effects of this are currently unknown. 

The shift towards more Eco-Friendly Solutions

As awareness of the environmental impact of traditional flea and tick treatments grows, there is a shift towards more eco-friendly solutions. Decreasing overall usage is likely to be the most reliable approach to reduce our impact as pet owners, and the British Veterinary Association has recently issued a policy statement recommending that veterinary businesses should avoid blanket year-round parasite treatment policies and instead empower individual vets to have informed discussions with their clients. Pet owners are increasingly seeking alternatives, or products that can extend the time period between chemical treatments that are both effective and environmentally responsible. 

What are the alternatives?

Natural Repellents

Many pet owners will use natural flea and tick repellents such as natural oils like neem, eucalyptus, and citronella. These alternatives are biodegradable and less likely to harm the environment. However, their efficacy and safety for your dog need to be carefully considered. Another alternative is diatomaceous earth, a natural powder that can be applied to a pet's coat or used in the home to kill fleas and ticks by dehydrating them.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Regular Grooming and Cleaning: Regular brushing and bathing of pets, combined with frequent vacuuming and washing of pet bedding, can significantly reduce the incidence of flea populations without the use of chemicals.

 

Environmental Control: Managing the environment where pets live and play, such as maintaining short grass and removing leaf litter, can help reduce the habitats for fleas and ticks. 

Innovative Products

Products like Whippa Snappa harnesses are embedded with insect repellent. Whippa Snappa use IR3535 as an insect repellent, which is shown not to harm insects, pets or the environment. There is no build up or accumulation in the environment, and it is not toxic to aquatic life such as fish or algae.  These products offer an eco-friendly solution by reducing the need for chemical treatments. Even better, they are convenient, becoming part of the owner’s routine walks, and ensure pets are protected while minimising environmental impact. 

Bandana Agate Galaxy - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories
Bandana Agate Galaxy
Bandana Agate Galaxy - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories
Bandana Agate Galaxy - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories

Bandana Agate Galaxy
Bandana Pink Bloom
Bandana Pink Bloom - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories
Bandana Pink Bloom
Bandana Pink Bloom - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories
Bandana Pink Bloom
Bandana Pink Bloom

Bandana Pink Bloom
Bandana Camo - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories
Bandana Camo - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories
Bandana Camo - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories
Bandana Camo - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories
Bandana Camo

Bandana Camo
Bandana Enchanted Forest - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories
Bandana Enchanted Forest - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories
Bandana Enchanted Forest - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories
Bandana Enchanted Forest - Whippa Snappa Flea and Tick Repelling Accessories
Bandana Enchanted Forest

Bandana Enchanted Forest

Making informed choices about pharmaceutical treatments

When choosing flea and tick treatments, it’s important to consider the broader impact on the environment. Here are some steps pet owners can take to make more environmentally conscious decisions:

  • Read Labels Carefully: Look for products that are labelled as environmentally friendly or biodegradable.
  • Consult with Veterinarians: Discuss the best options for flea and tick prevention with your veterinarian, considering both efficacy and environmental impact. What is the risk to your individual dog?
  • Proper Disposal: Dispose of used treatments and packaging responsibly, following local guidelines to prevent environmental contamination. 
  • Stay Informed: Keep up to date with new products and methods that offer safer alternatives for both pets and the environment.

By being mindful of the environmental impact of flea and tick treatments, pet owners can help protect not only their pets but also the planet. Adopting a risk-based approach and using products like Whippa Snappa harnesses can make a significant difference in reducing the ecological footprint of pet care.