21/05/2026
Flea & Tick Treatments, Bathing & Protecting Our Waterways
Hi everyone
You may have seen recent news coverage following a government press release from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) regarding the impact flea and tick treatments can have on UK waterways and aquatic wildlife.
As someone who bathes dogs every day, I feel it’s important that I also play a role in helping owners use these products responsibly and safely.
Many spot-on flea and tick treatments contain ingredients that can wash off into drains, rivers and waterways during bathing or swimming. While these treatments are important for protecting our dogs, using them correctly can help reduce environmental contamination.
One of the biggest considerations is timing.
If your dog has recently had a flea or tick treatment applied, it’s really important to allow enough time before bathing, swimming, hydrotherapy or heavy rain exposure. Bathing too soon after application may:
• Reduce the effectiveness of the treatment
• Increase the amount washed into wastewater systems
• Potentially contribute to environmental contamination
Please always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or your vet’s advice, as different products have different guidance. Many spot-on treatments recommend avoiding bathing for a period both before and after application.
As a Dog Groomer working with my clients and our beloved companions, I feel we all share responsibility for protecting both our dogs and the environment around us.
For anyone who would like to read more, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) guidance is attached. It encourages owners to follow 3 simple steps:
• PLAN
• APPLY
• PROTECT
As a groomer, the “Apply” and “Protect” sections are particularly important, as bathing too soon after treatment may affect both the product’s effectiveness and the environment.
Thank you for your continued support and for helping me promote safe, responsible pet care.
Tracy
FurryDogmotherHuyton/FurtherapyHuyton
Flea and tick spot-ons are an important to way to protect your pet’s health but how you use them really matters. The way these medicines are applied can affect how well they work and whether they end up in our waterways and wider environment.