Preserving antimicrobial effectiveness for generations of dogs

Antimicrobials are drugs that kill or curb the multiplication of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. They include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiprotozoals—all critical tools in our fight against infectious diseases in animals and people. But these tools are losing their power.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms develop an ability to survive and reproduce despite the use of an antimicrobial. This can threaten public and animal health by making it difficult or impossible to treat infections. The consequences can be serious, including prolonged illness, the need for more intensive treatment, permanent health problems, or even death. Antimicrobial resistant infections also can lead to greater health care costs.

What is driving antimicrobial resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global threat. A major cause is the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in both animals and people. A few examples:

• Using antimicrobials when they aren't needed
• Using the wrong antimicrobial to treat an infection
• Not completing the full prescribed course of antimicrobials
• Using antimicrobials without a physician's or veterinarian's oversight

Fighting resistance through antimicrobial stewardship

To limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance and preserve the effectiveness and availability of antimicrobials for animals and people, it's critical that infections be diagnosed and treated appropriately and that antimicrobials be used as directed. This requires collaboration between the people who prescribe antimicrobials and the people who use them. This shared responsibility is known as antimicrobial stewardship. Both breeders and veterinarians play important roles in making it work.

What your veterinarian does

Veterinarians support antimicrobial stewardship in many ways:

• Helping to prevent disease before it starts
• Using an evidence-based approach for diagnosis and determining whether an antimicrobial drug is indicated
• Prescribing antimicrobials only when necessary, and choosing targeted (narrow-spectrum) antimicrobials when possible
• Monitoring how well the treatment is working and making adjustments when needed to help the patient improve
• Running additional tests if an antimicrobial doesn't seem to be working, before switching or combining antimicrobials

Your veterinarian can only do these things if they have the opportunity. That's one reason your relationship with your veterinarian is so important.

Why the veterinarian-client-patient relationship matters

Before a veterinarian can legally prescribe or dispense any medication, including antimicrobials, a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) must be in place. This means that the veterinarian knows your animals well enough to make informed medical decisions.

In most states, the VCPR must be established in person—through a hands-on physical examination or premise visit. Once in place, a VCPR can be maintained by regular veterinary visits as needed to monitor your animals' health.

In-person exams are important because they allow your veterinarian to fully assess the situation and choose the most appropriate antimicrobial, should one be necessary. This oversight not only improves patient outcomes. It also provides confidence to federal and state legislators that antimicrobials are being used appropriately. That, in turn, helps protect continued access to these critical drugs for dogs and other animals.

What you can do as a breeder

As a breeder, your actions matter. Here's how you can help fight antimicrobial resistance:

• Prevent illness with routine vaccinations, parasite control, balanced nutrition, and good husbandry.
• Consult your veterinarian promptly if a dog becomes ill—avoid self-diagnosis or guesswork.
• Seek an in-person visit with your veterinarian so that they can determine whether an antimicrobial would be prudent.
• Only use antimicrobials that your veterinarian prescribes. Never use products obtained through other sources.
• Use antimicrobials exactly as prescribed—Never skip doses or stop early.
• Avoid reusing leftover antimicrobials on the same or different dogs.
• Never use antimicrobials in a way that's different from the label unless your veterinarian specifically directs you to.
• Stay in communication during treatment—Your feedback helps your veterinarian ensure treatment is working and make adjustments if needed.
• If signs of infection persist, work with your veterinarian to investigate further. Resistant bacteria may be involved.

Want to learn more?

Empower yourself in the fight against antimicrobial resistance with these resources:

• Understanding the problem of antibiotic resistance
• FAQs on antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance
• What is antibiotic or antimicrobial resistance?