When do antibiotics work for dogs?

Antibiotics are medications designed to kill or stop of the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics only kill bacteria and do not kill other microorganisms, such as viruses, fungi or parasites. Antibiotics are prescribed for dogs—and other animals, including people—when they have an infection caused by bacteria. They’re an essential part of healthcare. Whether it’s veterinary or human medicine, we rely on antibiotics to fight infections and their use saves lives. 

 

You may have also heard the term “antimicrobials”—an umbrella term used to describe medications that kill or slow the growth of bacteria, some viruses, fungi and certain parasites. Antimicrobials include antibiotics.

Veterinarians and our own doctors must be mindful about how these medications are prescribed. Anytime antibiotics are used, they can contribute to the development of antimicrobial-resistant organisms. 

What are antimicrobial-resistant organisms?

Microorganisms are basically always trying to avoid death! Antimicrobial resistance, including antibiotic resistance, occurs when a microorganism develops the ability to survive the antimicrobial treatment (the antibiotic) that previously killed it or slowed its growth. Both people and dogs can sometimes get sick with antimicrobial-resistant infections that are much more difficult to treat. There are only a few medications available to treat these resistant strains of microorganisms and often the side effects are severe.

But my dog is sick! They need medication!

While everyone wants their dog to feel better when they're sick, antibiotics aren’t always the answer. Even when an infection is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics aren’t always the first line of defense. For example, antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria. Viral infections can never be treated with antibiotics. 

If your dog is sick, your veterinarian may suggest:

• Watchful waiting. If your dog has a cough, the sniffles or has been sneezing for a few days, it’s likely that they have a viral infection. However, if these symptoms persist longer than 10 to 14 days, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. Similarly, if your dog has had a couple bouts of diarrhea over a couple of days, your veterinarian may wait to see if the symptoms resolve over the course of a week or so. If the symptoms don’t resolve with supportive care (e.g., a bland diet and small meals), your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics.
  
  
• Testing and sending samples to the laboratory to ensure the treatment is appropriate. This ensures that the correct antibiotic is prescribed, or if it’s needed at all. 

Trust your veterinarian to determine when and if your dog needs treatment with antibiotics and carefully follow their directions.

*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.