Throughout National Pet Month (7th April to 7th May), the Bella Moss Foundation (BMF) have issued some key advice for pet owners on the responsible use of antibiotics.

Jill Moss, President of the BMF said: “Raising awareness about antimicrobials and antibiotics is a key part of improving the health of people and animals. The Bella Moss Foundation believes that the public and health professionals from all areas must work together in order to achieve a reduction in resistant infections.”

Levels of inappropriate antibiotic use are directly related to the development of multiple-resistant bacteria such as MRSA, which cause serious infections. Not only this, but antibiotics can have severe side-effects; such as “super-infection” (antibiotics ‘kill off’ all the good bacteria, and infection ones can take over), allergic or breed-specific reactions, and direct drug toxicity problems. Antibiotics are not always even required – many conditions can be treated without antibiotics, or with localised antibiotic use only.

It is important to keep pets healthy but vets often feel pressured into prescribing antibiotics even when they are not required, it is important  for pet owners  not let their desire to see their pet treated cause unnecessary use of inappropriate medication.

Communication between pet owners and veterinarians is very important in dealing with infections.

Case study pet owner Louise Kirby
“My cat and dog both had MRSA. Through the help of BMF they have survived and I now know to ask my vet if an infection is suspected to repeat identification swabs before using broad spectrum antibiotics.”

If you would like more information on the use or antibiotics for your pet please visit www.thebellamossfoundation.com