Use Antibiotics Responsibly in Pets

Use Antibiotics Responsibly in Pets to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance Have you ever given antibiotics to your pet for an illness? This U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, it’s important to remember antibiotics are lifesaving drugs that can help treat infections in both people and animals. But any time we use antibiotics, it can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which makes it harder to treat certain infections in people and animals.  The best way to combat antibiotic resistance is to use antibiotics responsibly—this includes using them the right way with your pets!

 

Ask your veterinarian about ways to keep your pet healthy Ask your veterinarian how to prevent common infections with good hygiene, nutrition, vaccinations, and proper pet care. Keeping your pet healthy makes it less likely you’ll need to use antibiotics to treat illnesses in pets.

Only use antibiotics when needed Only use antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian and follow your vet’s instructions carefully. Make sure your pet takes all the antibiotics as prescribed, even if they start feeling better.    Store antibiotics safely at home Keep antibiotics out of reach of kids and pets. Dispose of antibiotics properly—don’t flush them!   Get more information

 

Healthy Pets, Healthy People is CDC's one-stop-shop for information on staying healthy around pets and other animals. Visit the website or follow @CDC_NCEZID for more updates.
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