Concerns over unlicensed wormers advertised online

Shooting Times has learned that unlicensed and unregulated worming products are being offered for sale on Facebook groups.

One advert posted in a large shooting and countryside group on Facebook offered a herbal remedy that, it claimed, is “suitable for: dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, reptiles, birds, poultry, ferrets, all pets”. The remedy was described as “the cheapest way to worm your pets”.

Vet and keen game Shot Neil Laing told Shooting Times that while the product was not illegal, “it has absolutely no science behind the claim it is an ‘easy, natural way to deworm your pets’. There is no evidence it deworms animals. The second part may be true, in that it may improve or maintain gut health, but so does a healthy diet.”

Mr Laing advised gundog owners to always take their vet’s advice on a suitable wormer for their dogs, and only to use tested and licensed products.

Earlier this year (News, 13 July), Shooting Times passed information to the police and Veterinary Medicines Directorate after finding antibiotics being sold on a Facebook group that promotes hare coursing.

Gundog owners should follow their vet’s advice on worming