Why is Human Medicine or Food Harmful to Wildlife?
- Asha Park
- 28 minutes ago
- 5 min read
At Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, we often receive calls and admissions of animals that have sadly suffered because of well-meaning but harmful human intervention. One of the most common mistakes people make is offering sick or injured wildlife food or medicine intended for humans or their pets. Beyond welfare concerns and having the correct facilities, there are many wider concerns that, to the untrained eye, members of the public may not consider. While it may seem like an act of kindness, it can cause serious harm – not just to individual animals, but also to the wider ecosystem.
The best and most efficient way to help a wild animal in need is to bring them to a specialist rescue hospital like ours ASAP, where trained wildlife rehabilitation experts can help them. Many local vet practises work alongside hospitals and will accept a casualty, give first aid, and transfer them to somewhere like us if they require ongoing care.
Often people try to help by treating a wild animal at home, but sadly, there are so many poor examples of wildlife care online, that even if you seek advice this can cause more damage than good. In this blog we will go through some of the reasons why home care is not always the best treatment for wildlife casualties.
Human Medicines Can Be Deadly to Wildlife
Medications designed for people, or even pets, should never be given to wild animals. Even small doses can be toxic, leading to poisoning, overdosing, organ failure, or death. Wildlife physiology is very different from ours; what helps a human headache or antibiotics intended for a sick dog could have devastating effects on a hedgehog, fox, or bird. Medication dosage is determined by species anatomy, their weight and long term effectiveness.
European law controls how veterinary medicines are used in animals, including getting approval for the medicine, how it can be used on farm animals and wildlife, and how long vets and farmers must wait before the animal or its products (like milk, eggs, or meat) can be consumed. Wildlife species as game, deer and even roadkill victims can be caught and consumed by humans.
These rules protect people from harmful residues by setting Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and withdrawal periods. Under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, it is illegal to give an animal any medicine that does not have UK approval, which is why it is vital not to give unprescribed human or animal medication to wildlife, as it could cause overdosing and pose risks to humans if the animal is later caught and consumed.
Research by UK conservation groups and universities has shown traces of medicines like painkillers, antibiotics, and antidepressants in rivers such as the Thames and the Mersey. These chemicals can alter fish behaviour, reduce reproduction rates, and even affect birds and mammals that rely on aquatic life for food. Even tiny traces of drugs such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, or antibiotics can pass through insects or plants into the diets of birds, bats, and other small mammals, building up in the food chain and causing health issues over time.
What may seem like a small act of kindness by easing suffering by giving an animal “a little something to help” — can actually ripple outward and create short or even long-term harm.
A Recipe for Disaster: The Dangers of Feeding Wildlife Human Food
It may be tempting to leave scraps of bread, biscuits, or other food out for animals, but these items are often difficult or impossible for wildlife to digest. Foods high in salt, sugar, or artificial ingredients can make animals very ill. Even seemingly harmless items, like bread for ducks, can cause malnutrition and growth issues because they lack the nutrients birds need.
Hand feeding is also risky. When people try to feed birds or small mammals directly, animals can inhale food accidentally, leading to aspiration pneumonia or choking. Young or inexperienced animals are especially vulnerable.
Some Common Examples:
Ducks and Swans: Feeding bread is one of the most common mistakes. Bread fills them up without providing nutrients, leading to malnutrition, and uneaten bread encourages harmful algae growth in ponds, reducing water quality for all wildlife.
Hedgehogs: Many people offer milk, believing it’s a treat. In reality, hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, and milk can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration, sometimes leading to death. Cat or dog food (meat-based, not fish-based) is a far safer choice if you want to support them. Mealworms should be given in moderation as they can cause metabolic disease.
Garden Birds: While bird tables can be a lifeline in winter, foods like salted peanuts, crisps, or processed kitchen scraps can be harmful. Even too much bread can cause young birds to develop a condition called “angel wing,” leaving them unable to fly properly.
Foxes and Badgers: Leaving large amounts of cooked food or scraps in gardens can draw these animals closer to roads and human settlements, increasing the risk of traffic accidents or conflict with people.
These examples show that, although the intention is kind, the results can be harmful. Supporting wildlife with the right food – or better yet, through natural foraging opportunities – is always the safer choice.
So What You Can Do to Help Wildlife
DO NOT self medicate - Never give sick or injured animals medication unless you have been advised by an expert. Herbal or natural medications such as treating mange in foxes is considered safe. But please seek advice first.
NEVER feed them - A sick, injured or orphaned wild animal will likely refuse to eat or drink either due to shock or pain. Do not force feed food or water by hand. Offer a shallow bowl of water if needed.
Call experts if you’re worried – If you believe an animal is unwell or injured, contact Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital or your local wildlife rescue for advice before intervening.
Provide natural food sources – Planting native shrubs, wildflowers, and trees in your garden helps support wildlife in their natural habitat with the nutrition they actually need. Quality supplementary food and shallow dishes of fresh water can be lifesaving, especially in hot or dry weather.
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In Summary
Giving human medicine or food to wildlife may seem caring, but it often causes far more harm than good. From poisoning and ecosystem disruption to choking hazards and dependency, the risks are serious. The best way to help is to respect animals’ natural diets and behaviours, while supporting safe habitats and reaching out to professionals when in doubt.
Together, we can protect our wildlife by giving them what they truly need: space, safety, and respect.
By Asha Park
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