Antibiotic-Resistant Infections In Dogs: Things You Should Know

Due to overuse or many other factors, the bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic. It means the original antibiotic is unable to kill the bacteria and they get the opportunity to grow and spread. Sometimes, these antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread the resistance to other bacteria they meet and poorly impact the human body. And when the situation goes overboard, these bacteria and germs cause infections that are difficult to treat.

Earlier, antibiotic-resistant was studied only in terms of the human body. Every time, people were given new antibiotics to kill the germs and prevent infections. Most researches were also related to them. But today, a similar problem is suffered by dogs.

Antibiotic-resistant infection in dogs is risky and sometimes, life-threatening. So as a dog owner, you should know to recognize the problem in your furry friend and rush to a pet veterinary emergency hospital to avoid any severe consequences.

In this post, we will discuss the signs of antibiotic-resistant infection in your dog and other details related to it.

• Excessive itching and licking a specific area of the body or flaky skin
• Sudden and consistent pawning at the ear with a red and inflamed look inside the ear of your dog
• Frequent urination or trouble urinating
• Visible infection at a recent surgery site or lesion already examined by professionals
• Little to no improvement upon taking antibiotics for an extended time
• Fever and chills in your dog

Why Does Antibiotic-Resistant Infection Develop In Dogs?

There are many reasons for the development of antibiotic-resistant infections in dogs. But a few major ones are:

• If the immune system of the dog is weak
• If the dog has wounds or damaged tissues
• If the dog recently underwent a surgery
• If the dog is in unhygienic condition and staying in an overcrowded area
• If the hospital visit was frequent for the dog
• If any prior infection is treated using antibiotics
• If the pus or infected fluid is not cleaned properly before treatment
• If the number of doses of the antibiotic administered was not right
• If the immune suppression is taken at the same as the antibiotic
• If other drugs or food interfere with the antibiotic function

How Is The Antibiotic-Resistant Infection Diagnosed And Treated?

You can only recognize the signs and symptoms of antibiotic-resistant infections in your dog; further diagnosis will be done by a veterinarian.

A vet will analyze the cellular culture under a microscope to check for bacteria and to know the possibility of a simultaneous fungal infection. Based on the analysis, the vet will prescribe an empiric antibiotic immediately.

In case the infection does not respond to the empiric antibiotic, the vet will send the cellular culture to know the specific strain of the bacteria. Your dog will be on the original antibiotic until the bacteria has been identified as resistant.

If your dog suffered from any infection that did not respond to the treatment, the vet will study the case deeply. He will know the medical history of your dog, including past and present medications. He will focus on all the injuries and surgeries that your dog has undergone before antibiotic-resistant infection. The treatment might change based on further studies.

Antibiotic-resistant infection cannot heal and save your dog naturally. It requires long-term treatment for complete recovery. So whenever you spot the signs discussed in this post, you should bring your dog to a pet veterinary emergency hospital without a delay.