An important, even life-saving, point has been raised by animal welfare campaigners about grooming our pets.

advertisement

It is a common and well-intentioned practice for farmers to put the shed hair of their pets, removed or cut during combing, out for the birds to build their nests. However, it has been found that the hair of dogs and cats treated with parasiticides can pose a risk to birds because of the residues on the hair.

Parasite control is paramount, but some active substances can harm birds

A recent study published in the scientific journal ScienceDirect shows that hairs treated with topical flea or tick repellents led to higher mortality rates in both hatchlings and chicks that had not yet hatched.

The researchers investigated exposure to pesticides containing the active ingredients fipronil, imidacloprid and permethrin.

The results suggest that it is better for bird conservation if dog hair is thrown away after using products containing these active substances.

It is clear that we must continue to protect our pets from pests throughout the year.

advertisement