Antibiotics are a certain drug that is given to our sick patients when a bacterial infection occurs. In our clinic we commonly use enroquin (baytril), amoxicillin, clavamox, and a few more; these can either be sent home or injected while in the appointment room. We only prescribe these medications for animals that have been examined by the DVM, and if DVM determines the pet will benefit. We do not prescribe these medications to pets we have never seen or pets we have not seen recently. Antibiotic use should be carefully monitored, which is why patients are given fixed amounts and advised to come in for a recheck. If antibiotic use is not monitored, it can lead to something called antibiotic resistant bacteria. This issue is currently a global problem and it effects our pets, our farm animals, and even ourselves.

Antibiotic resistant bacteria is caused by overuse or incorrect use of antibiotics, some examples are: using antibiotics when unnecessary, using the wrong antibiotic for treatment, not completing the course of medication as instructed by DVM, and so much more. This is why it is important to keep track of how your pet improves while on these medications and accurately relay that information to our staff. This will allow us to determine if they pet should still be on antibiotics, or if an antibiotic should be switched. When bacteria becomes resistant to certain antibiotics it makes treatment more difficult, the misuse of antibiotics causes bacteria to mutate and adapt against the antibiotics causing them to be less effective or not work. The bacteria even passes this genetic mutation on to future generations of bacteria, so once this occurs it cannot be undone. This can lead to your pet being sick for longer due to limited treatment options and in extreme cases treatment is no longer possible.

This is not only dangerous for your pet, but you as well. The antibiotics we use to treat your animals are also used to treat humans. You may be familiar with certain prescription drug names when we give them to your pets, this is because they are the same medication that a human doctor will give to you. This means if you happen to have a bacterial infection caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria, the same effects we see in animals will be seen in you. Misuse of antibiotics in your pet may lead to putting your own health in jeopardy. Antibiotic use is serious and should ONLY be done as directed by a DVM or MD. These precautions are put into place to protect both you and your pet, please follow instructions appropriately.