Over-the-counter pet flea treatments could be banned under new UK rules

When applied to the skin of cats and dogs, the flea treatment gets into their fur, and then into the environment. Photograph: Ian Francis stock/Alamy

Pet owners across the UK could be banned from buying flea treatment for cats and dogs under new government rules.

Ministers have begun an eight-week consultation on letting only veterinary practitioners or pharmacists give out the potent, pesticide-based flea treatments, to ensure “correct usage”. At the moment, the flea and tick treatments can be bought from any pet shop.