National Pet Month

As we move into Week 4 of National Pet Month, the focus turns to environment – one of the five key welfare needs for our pets. It’s not just about where our animals live, but the wider world they’re part of too. From the products we use to care for them, to how those products interact with the environment around us, every choice we make has an impact.

In our blog from Matthew Gibbard of NOAH (National Office of Animal Health), we explore the use and disposal of parasite treatments. These products play a vital role in protecting our pets’ health, but using them correctly, and disposing of them safely, helps protect wildlife, waterways and the natural spaces we all share.

---

Parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms are more than just a nuisance. They can cause pain, illness and distress to pets and, in some cases, pose risks to human health as well. That is why anti-parasitic medicines play a vital role in protecting animal welfare and supporting responsible pet ownership.

However, like all medicines, parasite treatments are only effective and safe when they are used correctly. How a product is selected, applied, and disposed of all matter. Used incorrectly, medicines may not work as intended and can contribute to avoidable risks for pets, people and the environment.

That is why NOAH (the National Office of Animal Health) has launched its Use It Right, Treat Them Right campaign, a practical, evidence-led initiative designed to help pet owners understand how to use parasite treatments responsibly. The campaign provides clear guidance on choosing appropriate treatments, following instructions carefully, and disposing of medicines correctly. Pet owners can find practical advice and resources on the Use It Right, Treat Them Right campaign page.

Why responsible parasite control matters

Parasites are present throughout the year, and their risks vary depending on a pet’s lifestyle, environment and health. Dogs may pick up ticks on walks in grassy or wooded areas; cats can encounter fleas through contact with other animals; and intestinal worms can affect pets of all ages.

Anti-parasitic medicines are designed to prevent and treat these infections, protecting pets from discomfort and disease. Before reaching the market, these products undergo rigorous scientific assessment and are subject to ongoing safety monitoring. When they are used as instructed, they play a vital role in safeguarding animal health and welfare.

The Use It Right, Treat Them Right campaign reinforces an important message: responsible use is not about avoiding treatment, but about using the right product, for the right pet, at the right time, and in the right way.

Seek professional advice first

One of the most important steps in responsible parasite control is seeking advice from a vet or another suitably qualified animal health professional, such as a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) working at a pet shop or retailer.

Every pet is different. Factors such as age, weight, health status, lifestyle and environment will all affect which parasite risks are relevant and what type of treatment is appropriate. An animal health professional can help pet owners make informed, proportionate decisions, rather than using treatments routinely without proper risk assessment of a pet’s lifestyle.

This professional, risk-based approach is a cornerstone of the Use It Right, Treat Them Right campaign. Further guidance on when and why to seek advice is available on the campaign page.

Follow the instructions – every time

Once a parasite treatment has been recommended, it is essential to follow the product instructions carefully. These instructions are based on how the medicine was tested and approved and are designed to ensure it works safely and effectively.

Pet owners should always check:

• The correct dose for their pet’s weight and species.
• How and where to apply the product.
• How often the treatment should be repeated.
• Any instructions about bathing, swimming or contact with people and other animals.

Failing to follow these instructions can reduce a product’s effectiveness and increase the risk of unintended consequences. The Use It Right, Treat Them Right campaign highlights why correct use matters and explains how small steps can make a big difference.

Timing matters, too

Some parasite treatments require a waiting period before a pet can be bathed, groomed, or allowed to swim. This is particularly important for topical treatments, which need time to work properly.

Letting pets swim or washing them too soon after application may reduce how well the treatment works and increase the risk of product entering the wider environment. Checking and following these instructions is a simple but important part of responsible use.

Safe storage at home

Responsible use also includes how medicines are stored. Parasite treatments should be kept in their original packaging, stored safely out of the reach of children and animals, and used only for the pet they were prescribed or recommended for.

Proper disposal protects the environment

How parasite treatments are disposed of matters just as much as how they are used.

Medicines should never be poured down sinks, toilets or drains, unless the product instructions explicitly say this is safe to do. Improper disposal can potentially allow active ingredients to enter water systems unnecessarily.

Pet owners should:

• Follow disposal instructions on the product packaging.
• Ask their vet, pharmacist or local authority how to dispose of unused medicines safely.
• Dispose of empty packaging as advised, ensuring no remaining product enters drains or waterways.

The Use It Right, Treat Them Right campaign includes clear guidance on disposal, helping pet owners take simple, responsible steps that protect the environment while maintaining effective parasite control.

An informed choice is a responsible choice

Responsible parasite control does not have to be complicated. By following a few clear principles, pet owners can play their part in protecting pets, people and the planet:

• Recognise the risks parasites pose to pets
• Seek advice from vets or other animal health professionals
• Use parasite treatments as directed
• Dispose of medicines and packaging responsibly

For practical guidance, FAQs and campaign resources, pet owners are encouraged to visit the Use It Right, Treat Them Right campaign page on the NOAH website, where clear, trusted information is available to support informed decision-making.