How Antibiotic Resistance in Pets is a Growing Problem

Antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasingly serious problem in the animal world. We’re seeing antibiotic-resistant infections becoming more prevalent in pet populations, particularly among cats and dogs. As a pet owner, it's important to be aware of the risks associated with these types of illnesses and how you can help protect your furry friends. 

What is Antibiotic Resistance? 

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to survive and thrive even in the presence of antibiotics. This means that the bacteria are resistant to the effects of antibiotics, making it difficult for medications to effectively treat an infection. As antibiotic resistance becomes more common, infections become harder to treat and can have serious health consequences for people and for our pets.

How Antibiotic Resistance Affects Pets

Similar to how antibiotic resistance affects humans, bacteria that cause infections in pets can develop a resistance to antibiotics as well, making it more difficult to treat the infection. This can lead to more severe illnesses and greater risk of death for your pet. Additionally, antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be passed between animals, meaning that even if you're taking steps to protect your pet from antibiotic-resistance, they could still be exposed. Thus, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with these kinds of infections and how you can help protect your furry friends. 

How to Protect Your Pet From Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

Monitor Your Pet: One of the best ways to protect your pet is to monitor them closely for any signs of illness. This way, if an infection does occur, you can catch it early and get treatment as soon as possible.

Practice Good Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene can also help reduce your pet's risk of infection. This includes washing your hands after handling your pet, keeping their bedding and toys clean, and cleaning up any messes they make.

Consult a Holistic Veterinarian: If you think that your pet may have an infection or if they are  exhibiting signs of illness, it's important to take them to the holistic veterinarian as soon as possible. A holistic veterinarian can provide the necessary treatment to help your pet get better.  

Avoiding Excessive Antibiotic Use

Excessive antibiotic use in pets can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. This means that if a pet gets sick, antibiotics may no longer be effective in treating the illness due to their increased tolerance level of the drug. It is important to only use antibiotics when absolutely necessary and follow your veterinarian's instructions closely in order to avoid the development of antibiotic resistance. Also, using preventative measures such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, and parasite control can help reduce the need for antibiotics. By taking these steps, you can help protect your pet from developing drug-resistant infections while also reducing the risk of passing on resistant bacteria to other animals, people, and the environment. By following these simple guidelines, pet owners can help protect their animals and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in pets.

Using Holistic Treatments As an Alternative to Antibiotics

Holistic pet treatment is an alternative form of medicine that has gained popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional treatments, holistic approaches do not use antibiotics or other potentially dangerous drugs to treat illnesses and ailments. Instead, they focus on finding the root cause of the problem and treating it naturally with diet changes, herbs, supplements, and lifestyle modifications. Holistic pet treatment can be used in place of antibiotics to treat common ailments such as skin problems, urinary tract infections, bacterial infections and allergies. 

Dietary changes are often the first step when it comes to holistic pet care. A balanced real food diet is essential for a pet's long-term health and wellbeing. Whole food supplements containing vitamins, minerals and amino acids can also be added to the diet to boost immunity and improve overall health. Herbal remedies such as garlic and echinacea may also be recommended by a holistic veterinarian to fight off infections without the use of antibiotics.

Lifestyle changes are another important part of holistic pet care. Exercise is essential for maintaining good health and reducing stress. Regular walks or trips to the dog park can help reduce stress levels in both cats and dogs. Additionally, ensuring that pets get enough rest is essential for their physical and mental wellbeing.

Finally, it is important to note that holistic pet care should be used in conjunction with traditional medicine when necessary. While it may be tempting to rely solely on holistic treatments, certain illnesses and ailments may require antibiotics or other medications. Therefore, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health plan. Holistic pet care can be beneficial for pets in many cases, but it is important to use caution and seek the advice of a professional when needed.

Are you interested in learning more about antibiotic resistance and how you can help your pet avoid antibiotic resistant infections? If so and you are in the Tampa area, please join us for Dr. Judy Morgan's Naturally Health Pets Experience hosted by us and Love & Pups on March 25, 2023.

Click here to learn more and to purchase an event ticket!