A Southampton pet superstore has called for dog caregivers across the region to limit the number of flea, tick and wormer preventatives given to their pets to protect wildlife within the New Forest.   

Deborah Burrows of Healthy Pet Store has echoed concerns from The Wildlife Trusts that using traditional insecticides to treat pets may be affecting habitats and biodiversity in nature reserves. 

The New Forest Dog Owners’ Group reported there has been mass death of dung beetles and although no cause has been identified, it is thought it may be a result of certain worming treatments found in dog waste. 

Dung beetles play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem in the New Forest.

Deborah said dog caregivers in Hampshire are very lucky to have the New Forest on their doorstep and it's important all visitors play a part in protecting the New Forest and its habitats. 

The Wildlife Trusts issued a plea urging people to prevent their dogs from entering ponds on nature reserves due to the potential harm posed by flea and tick treatments on larvae and other pondlife.

Deborah continued: “Even though the most damaging Ivermectin-based wormers aren’t as common now, it is worth considering the long term impact of any wormer or flea and tick treatment on insect populations within the New Forest and other nature reserves. 

“An alternative when it comes to worming is to withdraw from ‘just-in-case’ treatments and replace them with faecal egg counts to detect worm eggs. Then you can treat your dog when needed. For protection from fleas and ticks, there are several alternatives worth exploring.”

As an ambassador for the New Forest Dog Owners’ Group, Healthy Pet Store is passionate about promoting responsible dog guardianship within the New Forest.

For more information about Healthy Pet Store visit healthypetstore.co.uk

Pictured: Healthy Pet Store is an ambassador for The New Forest Dog Owners' Group.