Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat in companion animal medicine as in human healthcare. Responsible antibiotic use in pets protects both animal welfare and public health by preserving the effectiveness of critical treatments.
Antibiotic stewardship protects companion animal welfare in two ways: it preserves the effectiveness of antibiotics for when animals genuinely need them, and it reduces unnecessary antibiotic exposure that disrupts the gut microbiome. The public health dimension -- protecting humans from resistant bacteria carried by pets -- creates shared interest between human medicine and veterinary medicine that can accelerate responsible prescribing practices. Owners who support culture-guided antibiotic treatment and avoid pressure on vets to prescribe antibiotics without evidence of bacterial infection are contributing to both their pet and the broader welfare of animals and humans.