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The Consult RoomAuthor: The Consult Room
The Consult Room is the podcast that explores the evolving world of modern pet care. Hosted by vet surgeon Dr Paul Manktelow, each episode dives into the key issues shaping the lives of pets and the people who love them. Whether you're looking for deeper insight into modern veterinary healthcare, curious about the pet care industry, or simply passionate about animal welfare, The Consult Room brings clarity, compassion, and real-world expertise to the conversation. Visit www.theconsultroom.co.uk or get in touch at hello@theconsultroom.co.uk. Language: en Genres: Kids & Family, Pets & Animals Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Are We Overusing Parasite Treatments? The Environmental Cost Explained
Thursday, 22 January, 2026
This episode of The Consult Room tackles a topic that’s quietly becoming one of the biggest ethical and environmental debates in veterinary medicine.For decades, routine parasite prevention has been seen as essential. Monthly flea treatments. Regular worming. Often given automatically, year after year. But growing evidence now suggests that some of the chemicals used to protect our pets are ending up far beyond the clinic - in rivers, waterways, and ecosystems.To explore what this means for pets, vets, and the planet, I’m joined by Andrew Prentis, a veterinary surgeon with nearly 40 years’ experience across private practice, charity hospitals, and academia. Andrew is a Visiting Fellow at Imperial College London and a member of the PREPP group, producing rational evidence for parasiticide prescription.In this balanced, evidence-led conversation, we unpack how parasite treatments enter the environment, what the science actually shows, and why a more risk-based, individual approach to parasite control may be overdue.In This EpisodeHow flea and tick treatments end up in rivers and waterwaysWhat research shows about imidacloprid and fipronil contaminationThe environmental impact on insects, food chains, and biodiversityWhy “blanket prevention” became the norm in veterinary careThe difference between hazard-based and risk-based parasite treatmentCommercial pressures, pet health plans, and industry influencePractical alternatives and what responsible parasite control could look likeKey Takeaways🔹Not all pets face the same parasite risk🔹Routine treatment does not always equal best practice🔹Some commonly used parasite chemicals persist in the environment🔹A risk-based approach can protect pets while reducing environmental harm🔹Responsible prescribing builds trust without compromising welfareResources & LinksLearn more about environmental research into parasiticidesVisit VetSustain for sustainability guidance in veterinary careFollow @DrPaulTheVet for future episodes and updates💬 Do you use parasite treatments routinely, or only when needed?Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.📲 Don’t forget to follow the podcast and leave a review - it really helps these conversations reach more people.
