The Association Santé Environnement France publishes a new mini antiparasitic guide to preserve the health of pets, humans and the environment.
- External parasites (living on your pet’s coat) such as fleas, ticks or mosquitoes can, in addition to the discomfort they cause, transmit diseases to your pets.
- Antiparasitics are biocides, which have dramatic consequences on human health and biodiversity through contamination of surface water.
- The Association Santé Environnement France gives advice on prevention and application of antiparasitics.
Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes… External parasites (living on the animal’s coat) can transmit diseases to pets. To treat them, we use antiparasitics: pipette, spray, necklace, shampoo, tablet… Problem is, these antiparasitics are biocides (which kill living organisms): through contamination of surface water, they have consequences on human health and on biodiversity.
To limit the risks, theAssociation Health Environment France (Asef) has just published, in collaboration with Ecoveto veterinarians, a “mini guide external antiparasitics” with practical advice.
Regular monitoring of the coat of dogs and cats
First reminder, “parasiticides are not always necessary”, prevention may be enough. For your cat, especially if it goes outside, regular monitoring (once a week) allows you to treat only when necessary. Same thing for your dog: it is better to monitor regularly and look for fleas and ticks after each risky walk (large grass or forest), with a special fine comb. In the event of a tick bite, remove it as quickly as possible (the longer it remains attached, the more likely it is to infect its host) using a tick hook (not tweezers or tweezers). ether/alcohol), then disinfect.
Take precautions with antiparasitics
If you must use a pest control product, choose the “good wording”, with “as few components as possible to avoid cocktails”. Tablets should be preferred in certain circumstances: if there are young children or a pregnant woman in the household, or if you have a dog who bathes often, or a dog/cat who shares bedding. “For health reasons, it is not recommended to sleep with your pet, especially children”recalls Asef.
In case of external application (spray, pipettes, necklaces, etc.), read the manufacturer’s recommendations, treat in the evening or before a walk if it is not raining (and no swimming), wash your hands after administration or wear gloves (required for certain products), wait until the area is dry and invisible before stroking the animal (pipette) – this can take several days. Also remember to prohibit games with children during this period and to limit swimming and bathing.
