[Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?

Fri Oct 26 17:54:59 EDT 2007

Jennifer you have good reason to be concerned about the health of your pet.

The pharmaceuticals that go into food producing animals (poultry, beef, swine, etc)  are regulated but pharmaceuticals that go into companion animals (cats, dogs, birds etc.) are hardly regulated at all.  Which was also the case with animal food - hence little or no regulation of pet food prior to the big melamine pet food scandal.  

Because of lack of oversight, it is difficult to get a handle on the quantity of pharmaceuticals ingested by dogs.   But circumstantial evidence suggests high and growing usage.   
According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 
There are 74.8 million dogs in the U.S and 88.3 million cats.
And for the total number of pets, (dogs, cats, birds, fish, etc.) the U.S. spend $9.2 billion on Vet Care and $9.3 billion on Supplies and Over the Counter medicine.  Compiled by the  American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 
http://www.appma.org/press_industrytrends.asp

"Volkman, Jennifer" <Jennifer.Volkman at state.mn.us> wrote:Message     I have  heard that veterinarian pharms are regulated differently than those used for  humans, in that full disclosure of ingredients is not required. For example,  we've been able to relatively easily research and summarize the amount of  mercury present in flu vaccines produced by different manufacturers.  The  same information is not publicly available for animal vaccines.  I think my  dog has a mild form of autism...  We just got our first dog and I never  thought about it before earlier this week when I was reviewing mercury in flu  vaccines.  I specify mercury-free for the kids but not the dog, I feel like  a bad mother!

 There  are probably parallels to studies of animal feedlots?  I think I've seen a  few of those studies on this list serv.  Maybe different pharms, but good  info on migration to surface and ground water?

   -----Original Message-----
From:    pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us    [mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Eddie    Becker
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 2:12 PM
To: Nancy    Busen; Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: RE: [Pharmwaste]    Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?

Dear Nancy, As a dog lover myself,    who wants to do the right thing, I hear what you are saying.  I support    dog parks and think they could be part of the solution.  Sending dog park    runoff to waste treatment plants that eventually will remove the more    environmentally disruptive pharmaceutical pollutants is a better solution then    letting dog park runoff flow untreated into steams and rivers     

But as far as I can tell.  No one has yet tested established dog    park run off for pharmaceuticals! So right now my hypothesis is just    that.

A useful    list of pharmaceuticals routinely used on companion animals, can be found at a    site owned and operated by practicing veterinarians.

Below is a list of    conditions treated with various drugs, the long list can be viewed if you    follow the URL below
http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=0&Cat=1303

Summary of Subcategories: In    Companion animal drug use    from
http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=0&Cat=1303

       * Administering Drugs & Nutraceuticals
    *    Antibiotics
    * Antidotes
    *    Antifungal Medications
    *    Antihistamines
    * Antiprotozoal    Medications
    * Anti-inflammatories    (non-steroids)
    * Behavior Modification    Medications
    * Central Nervous System    Medications
    * Digestive Tract, Liver, and Pancreas    Medications
    * Diuretics ('Water    Pills')
    * Ear & Skin    Medications
    * Eye (Ophthalmic)    Medications
    * Flea - Tick - External Parasite    Treatments
    * Heart & Blood Pressure    Medications
    * Heartworm Preventives and    Treatments
    * Hormones - Endocrine - Reproduction-related    Treatments
    * Immune System - Anti-cancer    Treatments
    * Pain Relievers
    *    Respiratory System Treatments
    * Urinary Tract &    Kidney Medications
    * Wormers and    Anti-parasitics
    * Vitamins - Minerals - Electrolytes -    Nutraceuticals

Additional Articles:

    *    Compounding Medications
    * Drugs to Avoid in Pregnant or    Nursing Cats
    * Drugs to Avoid in Pregnant or Nursing    Dogs
    * Generic Medications
    *    Veterinarians Allowed to Prescribe 'Extra-label' Drugs

Nancy    Busen <NBusen at bentonvillear.com> wrote:             I work with a dog rescue and the mere thought of this makes me      smile. We are pooper scoopers but I'm going to have to try to envision an      alternative for urine! Thanks for the day      brightener!

     We are however, working on a program for our county and      ultimately the state of Arkansas to get the unused pharms out of      circulation.

     Let me know how it works out with the dogs.      

     Nancy Busen
     City of Bentonville
     Lab/Pretreatment Supervisor
     1901 N.E. 'A' Street
     Bentonville, AR 72712
     479-271-3160
     Fax: 479-271-3163

     Protect Tomorrow,      TODAY

---------------------------------
     From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us      [mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Eddie      Becker
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 3:18 PM
To:      Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: [Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste      from Dog Parks?

     Does anyone know of any environmental or      pharmaceutical testing at dog parks or dog runs.  I am      working on dog park regulations and since dogs are probably the second      most medicated species (everything from antibiotics to Prozac) - it      seems prudent to recommend the appropriate disposal of urine in      dog parks, rather then letting it flow untreated into steams and      rivers.  Any pointers would be much appreciated.  
     Eddie Becker
     Washington, DC

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