Dogs pollute water with pesticides even weeks after flea treatment

If your dog loves to take a dip in the water, you may want to reconsider using spot-on treatments for fleas and ticks, according to recent research findings.

A study conducted by researchers revealed that when dogs come into contact with water, the active ingredients in spot-on treatments can be released into the water, posing a threat to aquatic wildlife and animals that consume them, such as birds. These harmful levels of chemicals can persist for up to 28 days after treatment.

Dr. Rosemary Perkins from the University of Sussex in the UK advises, “If your dog is a frequent swimmer, it is best to avoid using spot-on treatments.” The initial assumption that these treatments had no environmental consequences has been proven wrong, leading to calls for regulatory changes.

In a study where dogs were treated with spot-on products containing fipronil or imidacloprid, researchers found that even after 28 days, the levels of pesticides released into the water could surpass safety limits. This poses a significant risk to aquatic ecosystems, especially in bodies of water frequented by treated dogs.

Dr. Perkins recommends that dog owners use spot-on treatments only when necessary and refrain from allowing their pets to swim for at least a month after application. This precautionary measure can help mitigate the harmful effects of these chemicals on the environment.

While oral tablets are now available as an alternative to spot-on treatments, Dr. Perkins notes that their long-lasting chemicals can also have adverse effects on the environment. More research is needed to understand the full impact of these alternatives on soil and water quality.