Antibiotic Resistance In Dogs; Antibiotic Resistance – When disease-causing bacteria develop the ability to resist antimicrobial (antibiotic) drugs designed to kill them, this is known as antibiotics resistance. Certain disease-causing bacteria that are important to canine health are becoming more resistant to antibiotics.

Antibiotics focus on saving lives, but they also increase the risk of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria and fungi develop the ability to resist antibiotics that are meant to kill them. It indicates that the germs have not been killed and are steadily growing.

Antibiotic resistance can take the form of a tough coating or proteins that are unaffected by the drug. Because the ability to resist antibiotics is frequently passed down through generations of bacteria, antibacterial-resistant infections are more common in dogs that have previously been treated.

A dog with antibiotic resistance lying on the grass
credit:wagwalking.com

Antibiotic resistance is also more common in dogs who are taking immune-suppressing drugs. Depending on the bacteria strain, these antibiotic-resistant infections are referred to as MRSA or MRSP. When a dog has an infection, antibiotic treatment usually clears up the symptoms, but in some cases, the bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics that are commonly prescribed.

Cause of Antibiotic resistance in Dogs

These circumstances may increase your dog’s chances of contracting an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection.

When taking immune suppression drug together with antibiotic

  •  Immune system weakness
  •  Wounds or damaged tissue
  •  Recent surgery
  •  Frequent hospital visits
  • Uses of drugs that can affect the effect of antibiotic function
  •  Poor hygiene and overcrowding
  • Prior infection treated with antibiotics
  • Inability to adequately clean the pus or infected fluid before treatment
  •  Inability to regulate the proper number of antibiotic doses

Diagnosis of Antibiotic resistance

A dog with antibiotic resistance in the clinic
credit:dogtime.com

If the infectious disease does not react to treatment, a culture will be taken and sent to a lab, where the bacteria will be identified and tested for antibiotic resistance. Until the bacteria is identified as resistant, the veterinarian will keep your dog on the previous antibiotic.

If your dog has previously had infectious diseases that did not react to treatment, MRSA or MRPA will be more likely. Your dog’s medical history, including past and current medications, especially immunosuppressant treatment, will be required by the veterinarian. Other recent illnesses, injuries, or surgeries will be considered as well. To assess your dog’s overall health, the veterinarian will check his vital signs and take blood and urine samples.

When your veterinarian diagnoses your pet with an infection, including antibiotic-resistant infections, here’s what you should understand.

  • Additional tests may be required by your veterinarian to ensure that the correct drug is chosen to treat your pet.
  • Infections that are resistant to treatment may take longer and cost more.
  •  Discuss with your veterinarian how to keep germs from spreading to other pets or people in your home.
  • When handling, caring for, and cleaning up after the dogs, wash your hands frequently.

How to prevent antibiotic resistance in dog

  • Consult your veterinarian about how good hygiene, nutrition, vaccinations, and proper pet care can help prevent common infections
  • Only use antibiotics when absolutely necessary, and always follow your veterinarian’s instructions.
  • Keep antibiotics in a secure location in your home.
  • Do not flush antibiotics; properly dispose of them. Antibiotic resistance in the environment (e.g., water, soil) and its potential impact on people are being studied by experts.
  • Speak with your veterinarian about how to responsibly use antibiotics to keep people and pets healthy.

Treatment of Antibiotics resistance infection in dogs

A dog standing by the table due to antibiotic resistance infection
credit:petmd.com

Even if your dog’s symptoms appear to be improving, it’s important to give all of the prescribed antibiotic doses to reduce the risk of bacteria becoming antibiotic-resistant. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria could otherwise survive and pass on their ability to the next generation. To prevent the spread of resistant bacteria, hygiene measures are needed around infected dogs.

The majority of dogs with antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections will recover completely. However, after a dog has had one drug-resistant infection, the chances of a repeat infection are higher. Maintaining a healthy diet for your dog can help to support the immune system and reduce the chances of bacteria continuing to spread.

Author

Kehinde Ezekiel is a freelance writer who has covered many topics, including home improvement, gardening, pets, tech, and parenting.

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