December 11, 2024, 10:15 am | Read time: 4 minutes
What should you do with tablets that your dog or cat no longer needs? Can you simply dispose of them in the trash? Philine Ebert, PETBOOK author and health consultant for cats and dogs, has investigated this question for you.
If a pet is ill, the vet prescribes medication so that the four-legged friend can recover quickly. In many cases, however, they are not used up completely; the packs are left unopened, and at some point, the expiry date has even passed. What happens to the packaging and medication that is left over? What is the correct way to handle veterinary medicines? How can they be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way?
Overview
Can Veterinary Medicines Harm the Environment?
Whether parasite prophylaxis, treatments against viruses and bacteria, or the regular intake of medication against chronic diseases, sometimes medication is necessary and unavoidable. However, if they get into the water supply or the environment, this can have massive long-term effects.
All veterinary medicines are carefully tested for quality, efficacy, and safety before they come onto the market to ensure that they do not harm the animal or the environment. Unfortunately, however, it can never be completely avoided that residues are released into the environment through our animals’ feces or urine.
Traces can then be found in soil, water, plants, and animals. The greatest risk of environmental pollution arises when residual stocks of medicines or packaging that have not been emptied are disposed of incorrectly by humans.
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Environmental Pollution Already Detected in Germany
According to the Federal Environment Agency, around 450 different pharmaceutical residues have been detected in German soil to date. One automatically thinks of products for farm animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, or horses. Surprisingly, however, active ingredients from preparations for pets and humans have also been found. It is not possible to determine exactly why and where this contamination comes from. However, the effects on nature and the environment are worrying.
Parasiticides, antibiotics, and hormonal substances, in particular, have a far-reaching impact on the environment. Possible consequences can include residues in wheat, a reduction in water quality, impairment of soil quality, resistance to active ingredients, or growth disorders in plants. Who wants to find active ingredients from a medicine in their bread or salad later on? To avoid this, I have compiled the most important tips for you to use and dispose of veterinary medicines responsibly.
Follow the Leaflet and Dosage Instructions
You should always read the package leaflet before using veterinary medicine. Never give your pet medication without consulting with your vet or without following precise instructions. It is also best to ask your vet how to store the medication correctly and dispose of it properly.
Consider Alternatives
Not every illness always needs to be treated with pharmaceutical medication. Medicinal herbs, natural food supplements, or homeopathic remedies are not only much better tolerated and generally have fewer side effects but are also ideal for sustainable, responsible, and environmentally conscious treatment. Consult with a veterinary practitioner or your vet for advice.
Keep Parasiticides Away From People and the Environment
Flea or tick repellents, which are intended to protect the animal as spot-ons or collars, lose their effectiveness if they are washed off prematurely, for example, when bathing or in the rain. The active ingredient then enters the environment and contaminates it.
Unfortunately, close contact with a treated animal can also be dangerous for humans, especially children or the chronically ill. For this reason, chemical products should either be avoided altogether or care should be taken to ensure that they are not transferred.
Always Dispose of Cat Litter and Dog Excrement Properly
Always collect your dog’s excrement in the designated poop bags and dispose of it in the general trash. This is extremely important, especially in meadows, pastures, or forests, so as not to upset the balance of the ecosystem. Droppings can contain residues of medicines or parasites that pollute the environment and pose a risk of infection for other animals or wildlife. This also applies to cat owners and the correct disposal of cat litter in suitable, leak-proof packaging in the residual waste.
Disposal of Medicine That Is Expired or No Longer Needed
Never dispose of medication leftovers in the toilet or sink. Properly dispose of not only your old medicines but also veterinary medicines and their containers in the general trash. Alternatively, take leftover medications to special collection points at recycling centers or pharmacies. If you are not sure how to dispose of leftover medication correctly, do your research online at www.arzneimittelentsorgung.de