Pet Owners

"Antimicrobial resistance poses a catastrophic threat. If we don’t act now, any one of us could go into hospital in 20 years for minor surgery and die because of an ordinary infection that can’t be treated by antibiotics. And routine operations like hip replacements or organ transplants could be deadly because of the risk of infection." Explained England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies

Don’t let your pet become infected – what can you do to prevent your pet contracting a resistant infection?

Firstly, contact your vet directly for a diagnosis to identify exactly what the infection is. 

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Pseudointermedius (MRSP) and other resistant infections are not usually a problem for healthy people or pets as their immune system and their natural bacterial flora protect them. Some healthy people and pets may carry MRSA/MRSP in their noses, mouths or on their skin as part of the normal bacteria with which we live without any harm.

However, if a person or pet has health problems, they may be at increased risk for acquiring infection if exposed to any resistant infection. You should discuss this with your vet by telling them that your pet has been diagnosed with a resistant infection. Your vet may want to phone your doctor for more detail and such ‘teamwork’ can be very successful in preventing the spread of the disease and managing the infection.

Helping you and your stay pet healthy and fight off infection

Pet owners can help their pets fight off diseases in many different ways.  It's important to make sure your pet is in tip-top health but consider other factors where diseases are involved.  For example, you can catch bugs from your pet and antibiotics are not necessary every time a pet is ill. Click here to view our latest advice videos

So, what are the best things you can do? Here are our Top 10 tips for keeping your pet healthy

So, what to do next?

Spread the word: tell your friends and families what you know about the issues their vet will consider before giving antibiotics. Use our Facebook or Twitter social media feeds for sharing our material.