Last updated October 16, 2023
We all want the best for our pets so choosing the right flea and wormer products can feel like a minefield. There is a lot to consider, from what parasites are covered, to how often and how you need to give the product. There also can be a lot of variation in the quality, regulation and therefore safety and effectiveness of flea and wormer products. Here, we take a look at what you should look out for when choosing the right flea and wormer products for your pet.
This really depends on your pet’s individual risk – your vet will be able to advise, as it can depend on your pet’s lifestyle and which region you are in. We have some blogs about which worms can affect dogs and cats to get you started though. These factors also affect how often your pet will need worming – you can read more about that in ‘Dog worms – all you need to know about treating them!?’
Once you know what you need to be treating for and how often, you can look for products which cover the parasites you need, either in a single product or more commonly, by using a tailored combination of products.
There are effective options for both, so this is down to your and your pet’s individual preference – just choose what works for you.
Safety is always at the forefront of our minds when it comes to our four-legged friends, and this should be no different when it comes to the flea and wormer products we choose to use for them. We’d always recommend using a VMD-registered ‘veterinary medicine’ product, as these products have to undergo rigorous testing before registration and have measures in place to monitor their ongoing safety. Just make sure you use them as directed to minimise the risk of side effects.
Non ‘veterinary medicine’ products have little to no regulation in terms of safety and effectiveness which can leave your pet at risk – from both parasites and the effects of the product itself!
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) are there to safeguard animal health and welfare by assuring the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines.
The key points of the legislation for veterinary medicines in the UK are as follows:
Marketing Authorisation: Before a veterinary medicine, including flea and wormer products, can be legally sold or supplied in the UK, it must be granted a marketing authorisation by the VMD. This authorisation ensures that the product meets strict safety, efficacy, and quality standards.
Some veterinary medicines, including certain types of flea and wormer products, may require a prescription from your vet to be legally obtained. These are referred to as “prescription-only medicines” (POM-V). Other products are available without a prescription and can be purchased directly from retailers, such as pet stores and online shops.
The legislation ensures that each veterinary medicine is specifically authorised for use in a particular species, such as dogs or cats. It is essential to use products that are specifically labelled for the intended species to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
The legislation requires that veterinary medicines, including flea and wormer products, have clear instructions for use, including the correct dosage and administration method. Pet owners must follow these instructions carefully to ensure the proper treatment of their pets.
Manufacturers and veterinarians are required to report any adverse events or side effects associated with veterinary medicines to the VMD. This reporting system helps monitor the safety of these products and allows for swift action if any issues arise.
The legislation ensures that veterinary medicines are produced and distributed under strict quality control and manufacturing standards to maintain their safety and efficacy.
All Chanelle products are VMD-registered veterinary medicines and we have products to cover all the main intestinal worms of dogs and cat, plus fleas and ticks. Visit our product pages to find out more about choosing the right flea and wormer products for your pet.
