Dog Multi-Drug Resistant Infections and Antibiotic Stewardship

Multi-drug resistant infections in dogs are an emerging welfare crisis requiring responsible antibiotic use to preserve treatment options.

Key Facts

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) and Escherichia coli resistant to carbapenems are emerging in dogs
Companion animal antibiotic use contributes to resistance that affects both veterinary and human medicine
Culture and sensitivity testing before antibiotic prescribing is the cornerstone of stewardship in companion animal practice
Reserve antibiotics (carbapenems, vancomycin) should be used only when alternatives are exhausted
Dogs treated repeatedly with antibiotics without culture guidance are at highest risk of resistance development
Topical antibiotic therapy for skin and ear infections reduces systemic exposure and resistance pressure
The UK has implemented mandatory antibiotic reporting for companion animal practices to track use patterns

Welfare Considerations

Dogs infected with multi-drug resistant organisms have fewer and more toxic treatment options. Treating these infections often requires prolonged hospital stays, more expensive medications with worse side effects, and worse outcomes. The welfare harm of drug-resistant infection falls disproportionately on individual animals who were not responsible for the resistance development that makes their treatment so difficult.

What You Can Do

Request culture and sensitivity testing before antibiotic prescribing for any suspected bacterial infection
Complete antibiotic courses exactly as prescribed - do not stop early when your dog appears better
Avoid pressuring vets to prescribe antibiotics for likely viral infections
Support veterinary practices that follow antibiotic stewardship protocols
Learn about the one health connection between companion animal and human antibiotic resistance